Postby edgyWedgy » 08 Dec 2016 19:30
@Beans: The vacuum unit is in perfect condition. At first I thought that that thing was the problem, by having a leak in the membrane.
That'd create an air leak and a lack of ignition advance. The symptoms are similar to those of an air leak, so i bought a new one, but nothing changed. The tube that connects to it does hiss, so that indicates there is airflow. I grabbed a propane torch and put the tube in front of the unlit torch, and the engine speed fairly increased. So that indicates there's no blockage either.
If it was ported vacuum, it'd be no wonder that there's no vacuum advance at idle. If it's direct like you say, there should definitely be vacuum advance at idle. I set the static ignition advance to 10deg, but no additional advance occurs when i either or not connect the tube to the vacuum unit. I don't think i can provide sufficient vacuum with my mouth to make the vacuum unit do anything, but i'll try.
@Hasbeen
That's what i was thinking too, that the vacuum unit was the root of the problems. But it's not.(explained above)
The entire brakebooster is only half a year old, and the tube to it also. only the valve is reused. I don't suspect an air leak there. I didn't suspect an air leak at all first, because it has run really great for the last 6 months. It's only the last weeks that the performance has seriously dropped.
The symptoms suggest an air leak, but it'd surprise me if that just develops after some driving. (8000km now since revision)
It really sucks to remove the inlet manifold and carbs, so i hope it's something else...

'76 FHC TR7