A+ timing

Post by **Peetee** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:05 pm

I have an Ital A+ with timing teeth set above the crank pulley. I don't have a workshop manual (only one for a Marina where the timing marks are in a different place) so don't know the degree gap between each tooth or which is TDC or degree of BTDC to set to.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:49 am

Just get it running - then keep advancing it until it pinks in top gear - then retard slightly so no pinking. It's now adjusted perfectly !

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:06 am

I'd rather know the facts BMC. Once the timing is set I can move on to the mixture.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:45 pm

The 'facts' are not important! What matters is that it should be just 'not quite' pinking - then it is absolutely ideal for your engine. Too many folks get carried away with setting the timing according to a book that was written umpteen years ago - and when petrol contained tetra-ethyl lead! If you really want to know Top Dead Centre - take out #1 spark plug and put a wood chop stick or similar in the hole - and gently turn the engine forwards by hand until it reaches it's highest point. Then mark the pulley etc.

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:07 pm

I have a large bore exhaust fitted to a convertible. What makes you think i'm going to hear it if it does pink?

Post by **dalebrignall** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:34 pm

if its pinking you should feel it being hesitant

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:50 pm

if its pinking you should feel it being hesitant

There could be a number of reasons for that - one of which could be the mixture, which I will then need to set. That's why I want to start with the factory settings and take things from there.

Perhaps someone has a metro A+ book. That may be the same.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:02 pm

You will hear pinking! It tends to happen at lowish revs in top gear slogging up a hill. But - if really worried - set it at 5 degree before - and then start testing for pinking by advancing on that setting. Make sure the vacuum advance is connected - and working - this is very important! Mixture - well you can set the idle mix with the lift pin of course - but running mix you will need to do a plug check and decide from the colours what needs doing. You are looking for a nice sandy beige. White is too EDIT - WEAK and dark brown/black is too rich.
Thanks Dennis - slip of the brain.

Post by **aupickup** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:03 pm

white is to lean

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:37 pm

I have an Ital A+ with timing teeth set above the crank pulley. I don't have a workshop manual (only one for a Marina where the timing marks are in a different place) so don't know the degree gap between each tooth or which is TDC or degree of BTDC to set to.

Peetee the one at the top (longest one) is TDC then they go 4,8,12,16,20 degrees (going anti-clockwise) static timing is 6 degrees and if using a strobe 11 degrees with the vacuum pipe disconnected.