Spark advance 1926 DB

[Wheelmang]

Such a basic question but cannot find the answer after about an hour of looking in manuals. The spark advance lever on my steering column is either in approximately 1:00 or 4:00 o'clock position. What position should it be in for initial start up?

Thanks all. 

[nearchoclatetown]

Look in your Book of Information. It says the lever should be down in the retarded position to make it easier to start then advance it to drive. It is NOT as some use it to be adjusted while driving to go up hills etc.

[C Carl]

Cadillac was quite proud of the slow speed , top gear performance of its long stroke (3-1/8 X 5-1/8) , Nickel Era 314 cu in V8s. In order to drive at , and accelerate very slowly from 10 mph in 3rd , you MUST fully retard the timing. This was a desireable characteristic to the chauffeurs of the day , so as to impart to the passengers the smoothest possible ride. I use this technique frequently. Try it.   - Carl 

[RichBad]

Just be wary of what the book says - this was written on the basis that everything was set up correctly from the start.  Over the last 90+ years it may have been adjusted incorrectly at both the distributor and steering box joints/linkages. 

[Wheelmang]

Thanks all for your valued comments. 

I must be looking in the wrong places. In my book of information the only thing stated is retard for start and advance afterwards. Thank you for clarifying the lever position.

I can pretty much guarantee that the original set up is no longer there. I am not at my manuals right now but I (gulp) presume that there are set up instructions in print for the linkage etc.? Some right now is held together with twisted wire so I know it is poor at best. 

Thanks again

Paul

[C Carl]

Also , Paul ,as long as you will be setting your timing , the initial setting on your distributor should be advanced several degrees ( 5 , 6 , 7 or so , perhaps even more ) , over stock spec. This is because gasoline when your car was designed was 40-something octane. On 87 , or whatever is the lowest octane in your area , you will develop more power , get better mileage , run cooler , easier on the exhaust valves , by running advanced over spec. Don't forget to fully retard for starting. PARTICULARLY if you start it with the crank !!   - Carl