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Question Reading over some of the email really impressed me. I have a real vexing problem with an older engine. It is a 351 Ford Windsor with contact points (it's in a boat). My problem is that while the engine runs great at idle and up to 1500 RPM, beyond that point it begins to shake (missing I presume) and can not accelerate beyond 2000 RPM. I have checked timing, observed timing advance as RPM increases to 2000. I have replaced points, condenser, carbeurator. I have performed a fuel pressure and flow check. Ignition wires look good, and I do observe a regular spark at idle. The bad things I have observed are: 1) vacuum is a little low at idle (14) 2) dwell drops 7 degrees at 1500 RPM

Reply I would suggest having an engine analysis performed which may uncover an open spark plug wire, a defective ignition coil, or possibly a primary wire at the distributor breaker plate. There are many possibilities. The problem can only be pinpointed with a diagnostic check. Angelo Silverado Auto Service

Followup Thanks for taking a shot at it. I finally figured it out a few weeks ago when I read that the dwell should NEVER vary more than three degrees. I replaced the distributor, and it runs like new! John