Re: Engine timing

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2014/10/18 16:04:39

Just to be sure the distributor is not 180 deg. off, go back to fundementals. Remove at least #1 spark plug; turn the engine over by hand in it's normal direction of rotation until you feel compression coming out of #1 plug hole and stop on the timing mark or about 4-6 degrees BTDC. If you overshoot, go around TWO full revolutions. Now remove the distributor cap and see if the rotor tip is under #1 plug wire. If not, it will be 180 degrees out - just remove the distributor and rotate the shaft a half turn and reinstall.

Now, without turning the engine, look at the points - they should be just on the verge of opening, or perhaps have just barely opened. If so, the timing is close enough for the engine to start. If not, use a test light, hold the rotor steady to avoid backlash, and rotate the distributor until the points just open - using a test bulb across the points is helpful. Now you should be within a couple of degrees of perfect timing. Once it's running, set it exactly with a timing light.