Thanks rt325
i am going to ride it as is for a while once new oil pump is installed. If my lever limpness becomes an issue then I think I might clock item 16 ratchet in partzilla schematic a 1/4 turn in preload direction. 

akara1 - I had set timing to 0.114" (2.9mm) with dial indicator so I think I am set unless 2.9mm is too much. 

I would run at least 93 octane with timing at 2.9mm

Akara1 - what's safest setting knowing that 91 octane is the highest available in CA and that I want to avoid detonation?

thx for the input, really appreciated 

My personal preference is to run the 360/400 timing at 0.100" BTDC. 

They seem to start easier and run strong....  not high revving engines but they just feel to me like they are "happier" at higher RPM with timing set to 0.100" 

YMMV

Thx
I set it at 0.106, which was midpoint of akara1 recommend range. 
once I get rolling a bit I will back off to 0.100" and compare 

You're probably fine at  0.106"

No solid proof that it hurts to advance more...  just my experience and "feel"...  I think it was Dave Meis who mentioned to me years ago that he retards the timing slightly on the 360/400...  so I started experimenting and liked 0.100" best.    No kick back with points and like I said, seems "happier" when approaching redline.

So glad you asked about the spring tension. The idea of changing the ratchet position never even crossed my mind until RT 325 suggested it. I guess I was only thinking about the return spring itself, or something....

Anyway, If it ever warms up around here I'm going to try RT's suggestion and turn it up one notch. I think that might be just about right for mine. If not I'll go one more and then another if needed, until it feels right. I don't know how loose your's feels but I think a quarter turn would be way more than needed on mine.

I'll let you know how it goes but with the mercury not able to climb much above zero lately I haven't spent much time in the shop. 

Jack - your area code implies your freezing your ass off in St. Louis, omg I have winter horror stories that involve the STL airport and the Marriott!  I could take Midwest no longer after 49 yrs so I left 6 yrs ago!

I think my spring had to be present preload + 1 turn cause the bitch snapped at me when I took her apart. But I am fearful of adding a turn so I am going to preload ratchet gizmo that parks mechanism 1/4 turn after I am hopefully able to ride this a bit, but only if it bothers me.  Oil pump in the mail back, and forecast for Saturday is 64F which means I am taking a ride if I don't screw anything up!

I will keep you posted on progress and Kickstarter too 

 

I recently dissembled my dt360a engine. The kickstarter spring is still in its sleeve. I think the sleeve is what holds the spring in preload. I can count the number of turns on the spring if you want. I think that should tell you how much preload is on it. I think adding preload will also increase the height of the spring. I don't know for sure if someone has been in there and messed with it before me but it should give you something to compare against. I attached a picture of the spring and sleeve I am talking about.    

  Sorry. Pics did not make it on my last post. Trying again.