static timing for 225 equiped with HEI

I did a search on here and couldn't locate info on what the static timing is for a 225 with a GM HEI dist. I finally got around to replacing the timing chain (no more clack clack clack noise!!!) and I set the timing based on sound. I then checked the timing and it is at 6 degrees BTDC. Does this sound reasonable to you? I have heard or read that 10 to 12 degrees BTDC is the correct setting. My plan is to run it and if it starts to ping, I'll retard the timing a bit.

One other thing, in the process of taking the timing cover off, I got some water in the crank case. Not much, but enough to make the oil froth. I am in the process of changing the oil and was wondering how others have delt with water contamination in their crank case. Do I simply change the oil a few times after short periods of operation, or add some kind of wiz-bang additive?

For those who are interested, I replaced the stock-style (this one had solid steel gears since I replaced it about 10 years ago) timing chain, which had only about 15k miles on it, with a double roller type. No more noise, but I must admit, I wasn't a fan of the amount of slack already in the double-roller chain; and with no more tensioner, I hope it doesn't stretch any.

 

Typically a couple oil changes will take care of the water in the oil. This is a common issue when doing engine work. 1 qut of ATF during the oil change will help flush out the contaminants as well.
I hope you mean timing chain as these engines don't have a timing belt.
You should have little to no slack in the timing chain unless it was designed to work with the tensioner.
A 231 typically runs 10-12* initial timing. I'd play with it a bit and see what works. You may need to recurve the advance to get full benefit of the HEI.


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O.k. so it sounds like I should go with the timing set to 10-12 degrees BTDC. I'll go ahead and make the change now. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I am running @6* initial and +/- 32* total crank degrees at about 2,000 rpm. I may have to up that initial as my engine runs too cool.

 

15 degrees advance, .045 gap on plugs. 180 degree thermostat. Runs great, lots of power, no ping.

 

Be sure to check your timing at 2500+ rpms for total timing advance. I had to switch to an adjustable vacumn advance as i had close to 50* timing at 2800 with initial timing set at 10*.

 

That is correct. The HEI original vacuum advance is way too much for the 225 and an adjustable advance is required if you are unable to fabricate a blocking plate to control the amount of vacuum control arm travel. The adjustable ones are not expensive and work very good.