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Took my 72 to work the other day to show it. Out for lunch for a little ride and now seems to have a miss. Decided been awhile since a good tune. Replaced plugs, distributor cap, rotor. Seems like not firing on all 8 cyl. When I remove the #8 plugwire from the distr. engine speed does not change. All other cyl I notice a difference. Tried a new wire for that cyl and of course the wire end came off. UGH!
Once I get a new wire I will try again. No other noises from that side of engine just seems like the plug is not firing. Next after the new wire is to do compression test.
I have Lars papers on timing and have used it with wonderful results
Alos noticed I can't get the Q-jet to set on fast idle so now need to look at the carb.
I would see if you can locate miss before messing with carb as your fast idle is probably not working do to the miss. Try removing plug and mount it some where that it can be grounded, preferably without holding due to shock. Have 2 people one turns engine over, other watches for spark. If it sparks your problem is probably compression or fuel. hopefully this helps.
I'd swap the plug wire with one from a different cylinder and then do your "take it off and see if there is a change" test...... I agree with Timsride...., do it BEFORE messing with the carb. Remember......, most perceived fuel/carb problems turn out to be electrical !! Good Luck.
The first course of action to address a "miss" is to change the condenser and to remove/file/reset the points in the distributor. If you have an electronic ignition module (HEI, change the module), it is suspect, instead. Plugs should then be removed to look for any fouling; spark plug & wire corrected/replaced if you find individual fouled plugs.