Are you sure the vacuum advance/retard is working properly? The design is to
reduce timing advance under part throttle operation and full advance when
needed. A quick check is to disconnect the retard from the manifold at idle.
The timing should noticeably advance. If not, you need to find out why.
Typical causes are bad diaphragm, incorrect throttle plate position or
plugged port. Poor engine vacuum due to valve or other mis fire causes will
keep this from working properly. If retard port is connected at the
throttle, relocate to a tee at the fuel pressure regulator. This will give a
better response.

Dennis

>From: Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
>Reply-To: Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Bummer, man--Gross Polluter
>Date: Wed, 23 May 2007 20:48:58 -0400
>
>OK, I just reset the timing to 5 atdc. Runs ok, still has the erratic idle,
>but mostly what I notice is loss of power after doing a freeway run. Where
>it accelerated up low-grade hills at 3800-4100 rpm timed to 10 btdc, now it
>won't. That's why I had it timed forward to begin with. Maybe there's
>something else going on. Manana. Thanks all.