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Spark Delay Valve System: Testing

  1. With engine in Neutral, set carburetor to fast idle position. Remove spark delay valve and connect a vacuum gauge to the vacuum hose leading to the carburetor. Record vacuum, it should be between 10"-16" Hg. for tests. Pinch off vacuum hose to gauge and observe if gauge maintains vacuum level. If vacuum drops with hose pinched off, gauge or vacuum hose has an external leak which must be corrected.
  2. After completing Step  1, connect BLACK side of spark delay valve to vacuum hose leading to carburetor. Connect vacuum gauge to hose leading from DISTRIBUTOR side of spark delay valve. Start engine, and with carburetor set to fast idle position, note time in seconds for gauge to reach 6" Hg. with a 10"-16" Hg. vacuum source.
  3. Maximum time for each type valve to reach 6" Hg. should be as follows:
Time in Seconds

Valve Color Code Minimum Maximum
Black & Gray 1 4
Black & Brown 2 5
Black & White 4 12
Black & Yellow 5 14
Black & Blue 7 16
Black & Green 9 20
Black & Orange 13 24
Black & Red 15 28
NOTE: If vacuum reaches 6" Hg. level in less than two seconds, valve, regardless of type, must be replaced.