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I know how to test the vacuum advance on the distributor of the EA82, I'm wondering if anyone knows of any way to check if the mechanical advance is working at all? I have a suspicion that perhaps mine isn't working but I'm stuffed if I know how I could check it besides pulling the whole thing to pieces (which seems like a huge job).

Any suggestions?

timing light on the timing marks, disconnect vac advance, if you see timing mark increase with revs - that will be the mechanical advance kickin' in !

That sounds like the way to go except I'm sadly lacking timing light at present. Any alternatives?

Pull the dizzy out and shake it gently to a point this will tell you if anything is rattling around. the only other alternative is to pull it down and check physically.

TOONGA

Yair , you pull the dizzy cap off and turn the rotor button (can't remember in which direction) and when it won't turn any more it should spring back by itself . Do this with your fingers BTW , it should turn with a slight amount of resistance as the bob weight springs load up and it probably wont move more than the width of the rotor contacts tip if that .
There will be a small amout of backlash between the dizzy drive gear and its matching gear on the nearside camshaft .

You usually get one of three results . First it won't move at all through sticky/frozen advance mechanism , it moves with zip resistance meaning stretched/broken/unhooked springs , it moves with a slight resistance and springs back when let go which is normal .

Actually one more , if its a second series MPFI car (4 plug ECU) it won't move because ignition timing is ECU controlled .

A .

ah, excellent. I might give that a go. It's the carbed EA82.