Advance Weights and Springs: What Does "Worn" Look

[305explr]

Attached is a pic of my camshaft sprocket advancer with the advance weights open and under no tension. I slid the tips of two screwdrivers into the gaps to provide better definition for the camera lens. The screwdriver tips are not opening the weights any farther than the weights normally go while at rest.

Note the right one has a larger gap than the left (about 1/8'' vs 1/32'').

Does this amount of travel mean the right spring is worn? Or are the advance stops worn?

In Mr. Silver's manual, he states "if weights have worn advance weight stops, the advance travel distance of the point shaft will...cause overheating from excessive spark advance. Be sure that spark advance does not exceed 45-48-degrees TOTAL (includes the initial 5-degree advance) when the engine is running."

I'd like to be sure the cam chain tensioner is in good working order BEFORE I put the engine together, so answers to my above questions appreciated.

If I need to provide more info, just ask.

Thanks.

[LOUD MOUSE]

I recommend you put the right side cam with the points cam in it into the sprocket assy and I think you will see that all is good. ...............lm

Attached is a pic of my camshaft sprocket advancer with the advance weights open and under no tension. I slid the tips of two screwdrivers into the gaps to provide better definition for the camera lens. The screwdriver tips are not opening the weights any farther than the weights normally go while at rest.

Note the right one has a larger gap than the left (about 1/8'' vs 1/32'').

Does this amount of travel mean the right spring is worn? Or are the advance stops worn?

In Mr. Silver's manual, he states "if weights have worn advance weight stops, the advance travel distance of the point shaft will...cause overheating from excessive spark advance. Be sure that spark advance does not exceed 45-48-degrees TOTAL (includes the initial 5-degree advance) when the engine is running."

I'd like to be sure the cam chain tensioner is in good working order BEFORE I put the engine together, so answers to my above questions appreciated.

If I need to provide more info, just ask.

Thanks.