hey guys,
i have a 72 chevelle with msd6a ignition box, pro billet distrib, blaster 3, brand new 383 stroker. At first everything was fine after installing the small diode near the alternator for engine run on. Now it seems that my alternator is not charging the battery with only about 11 or 12 volts on the gauge where as before it had 14-16 volts. Second is that my engine doesn't turn off, it sputters and sounds like its diesaling about 3 seconds then shuts off. What shall i do, need response ASAP please, taking car to a local show.


.P.s. should i take out the diode and see how it works without it.
Thanks
marc

Try turning down the idel speed or retard the timming a little.

You probably just need to close the throttle blades a bit more. You can do this and keep the same idle speed by advancing the timing a bit, say 2-3º. This will raise the idle speed then you can lower it back with the idle speed screw on the carb.

I suggest setting the initial timing at 14-18º. You'll need to check the total timing (without the vacuum advance hooked up) after setting the initial. You'll want it at about 34-38º. If you can't get the initial and the total to these specs, you'll need to recurve the distributor. I usually put 20º in the distributor.

Can't help with the charging issue.