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Crankshaft question
I know that you checked dist. being tight, but remember that there is a bolt on the bottom of the housing that can (and does, trust me!) come loose. This is in addition to the regular one to adjust timing. When I get my timing just right, I set the "regular" or visible one at the center of the travel, then use the hidden one to establish this baseline.
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I don't know what happened, but your motor is or was definitely not set up correctly.
The 230 is a strong engine that should push your M715 at 55 to 60 MPH all day long. It never lugs, providing good power from off idle all the way up to max RPM's. It should get you about 15 to 17 MPG.
I have never seen a civilian M715 with a 230 in truly good tune. This is the main reason they have a bad reputation - good motor, badly maintained usually.
If the timing is indeed correct, your compression is good, and your valves are set properly, you can spin the rear tires on any M715. The motor will wind up quick and strong no matter how much weight you have in the bed.
The old 230 is a simple yet dependable design that unfortunately, has suffered mightily at the hands of poor mechanics.
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I agree. I think the 230 is a pretty impressive motor that has an undeserved reputation. I'm frankly amazed at how well a good running Tornado can haul one of these heavy trucks around.