Timing = heating?

[Fourdy]

Okay, so I have been plagued with a heating problem with my blown 276 since I installed it in my 40. I have seen many posts relating retarded timing as one of the possibilities for the problem.

While I have the heads off and cleaning the block (a story for another post) I have been trying to learn about how the distributor really works. I read and read but it was time to get hands on and apply words to real life.

I am using a mallory non vacuum unit and the instructions that came with it said it was factory set for 24 degrees maximum advance. I find (by using mallory gauges) that the max. setting is actually 16 degrees. Joe Abbin has recommended 24 degrees at 3000 rpm. Seems to me that this IS a retarded state and could be a lot of my problem.

Appreciate any thoughts from you more knowledgable gents.

Thanks,

Fourdy