New to the forum

Hi everybody, I have been lurking around for a while. I have a 88 B2200 bought about a year ago and since I got it have had to solve little issues but so far ok. The only thing is that since day one I have been getting no more than 17 - 18 mpg and after reading around I have decided to install a new 32/36 Weber, the truck is stock with all the vacumm lines, catalytic converter etc. but I am no expert to go around diagnosing all those miles of lines. What I am looking for is mileage and not necessarily power or speed. Anyway glad to be here.

Glad to have ya'!

Great looking truck.
Have you checked the mechanical advance in the distributor. It can get gummed up and not operate. That affects the 1000 to 1800 r.p.m. range.
Hunt a vacumn leak, perhaps. How recently news i the air filter?

Hello Geterdun, I have not checked the system, I have only made sure the engine timing is right and installed new (the factory suggested type) plugs with the right gap, the air filter is less than a year old and so is the fuel filter. The idle is erratic, sometimes it will hold preset values and latter it will change for no apparent reason, I reset idle and it will work fine for a couple of days then it will either idle very low or higher. Anyway I read that the factory new truck in 88 will give between 22 to 24 mpg and that with the Weber is possible to get over 27mpg so I am going for that option, thanks for your suggestion.

Good you have a timing light and not afraid to use it! To check the mechanical advance, disconnect and plug the line from the vacumn advance on the distributor without the engine running. When you start the engine, you may have to adjust the idle screw in to achieve low idle (the advance advances timing when engine is started).
If you have someone to assist, watch the timing mark as the someone raises the idle to 2000 r.p.m. If the timing does not change, the mechanical advance is gummed up- not working. If this is true, the mechanical advance in down under all those goods in the distributor. It will include removing the gear from the shaft and everything on the topside to get at it to clean and free it up. Don't forget to oil it after freeing it up.

And the verdict is, mechanical advance is working, thx for the advice.