Re: Timing is off

Posted by Ross On 2015/8/1 11:59:44

To make sure we are singing off the same sheet, when you say the engine fires at 7-10 after TDC you mean that all the numbers are well below the pointer when the strobe flashes. That is quite retarded indeed, and about what I would expect with the dist. turned all the way CCW. The engine should run as hot as blue blazes at that setting with the exhaust manifold glowing in the dark.

CW rotation of the dist. should advance the timing so the spark is coming before TDC, ie the numbers should be above the pointer, and ideally 6 or 7 right at the pointer.

It is highly unlikely you have jumped time, but that can be checked by checking valve timing as outlined in the manual. You would have noticed a very abrupt change in quality of life if you jumped time.

I wonder if your pointer is bolted to the wrong two holes on the timing case. The change in quality of running over time is easily explained by vacuum leaks developing at the manifold, or even valve adjustment, or the points drifting shut. A change of timing will not effect smoothness unless extreme.