Arrived today.
OK, chaps....what's the script RE: checking timing on the old Mogster?
I mean, I had a quick look for timing marks on the pulley and couldn't see them.
Bloody radiator is in the way.
So, c'mon chaps...how do you do yours? The timing gun is a draper model, before anybody asks. Dying to give this a try, and look like I know what I'm doing to impress the missus
There's only one mark on the pulley; a little notch on the back edge. The three pointers on the timing cover are 0, 5, and 10 degrees BTDC. I've never used a timing gun. I just set it statically to about 3 degrees BTDC and then fine-tune it on the road.
I tried the 'move the distributor back and forth while it's idling and listen to the engine sound' method and failed utterly at it - the idle sounded the same to me over a huge range, and when I checked afterwards what I had set it to, it was at about 20 degrees BTDC static. I also got a bit of a jolt from one of the leads while I was doing it.
Alex Holden - http://www.alexholden.net/
If it doesn't work, you're not hitting it with a big enough hammer.
I was given a timing gun about 20 years ago now - still in the box! It's useless - there is no saying what the correct best setting is for your engine. Set it to 5 degrees before may be fine - but maybe your engine wants 10 before! Only way to set it is by ear - and yes, the engine idle does change as you swing the dizzy. I suggest the pink marigolds to avoid shock! However final setting is by listening for onset of pinking - and best idle setting may have to be sacrifised to get best running - or of course change the mechanical advance settings!
Mini lads swear by 'Megajolt' - fully mapable ignition control that eliminates the dizzy altogether. has anyone tried it/using it on a Minor ? It's the same engine after all.
Highlight the timing marks with a bit of Tippex and make sure the wires are well out of the way of the fan before you start the engine.
If the timing marks seem to jump about a bit it may mean the distributor is quite worn.
If you can get someone to rev the engine up while you are looking at the timing marks you can see the effect of the centrifugal advance working.
There may be a way to check the vacuum advance is working too but I'm not aware of it.
Hope this helps.
"I was given a timing gun about 20 years ago now - still in the box! It's useless"
Well I find mine very useful, both for idle setting (I know what setting my engine likes) and for verifying that the advance is working and how much advance I have at 4,000 rpm.
I have been following Megajolt threads on the club Triumph.org.uk website but I fail to see that you can properly set up an electronic ignition advance just by driving the car on the road? Really I think it is overhyped and it is more by luck that you will get it anywhere close, unless you just copy the original distributor's advance. Personally I would make sure that the distributor is in good condition.
There may be a way to check the vacuum advance is working too but I'm not aware
This normally done by sucking on the end of the vacuum pipe and checking that the base plate moves in the dizzy also after sucking if you place your tongue over the end of the pipe it should hold the vacuum until you release it.
Cheers
Kevin
Lovejoy 1968 Smoke Grey Traveller (gone to a new home after13 years)
Yes - and if the 'suck' produces no vacuum then the little diaphragm is burst.
Alec - Megajolt - some of the Mini lads rig it up to a lap-top and then drive up hills etc while passenger adjusts the timing to perfection on the move - and then I guess they 'save' the map! They say it gives a much more lively engine with better low end torque - and better economy too. I've not tried it - but would love to give it a go on my TR 7. Do you know if anyone has done it on a TR 7 ? What section of the Triumph forum are you looking at - could you post me a link please ?
Yes, I understand the way it's done but I don't really believe all the claims. I do think that to get the system working properly needs a dynamometer to set it up. Subjective road testing is very hit and miss. The other danger is setting too much advance at high revs which could destroy the engine unless some sort of anti knock detector is fitted.
Which is why I always would go for a properly set up distributor. Obviously radically modified engines won't have an 'off the shelf' distributor but the 'A' series has been modified for so long I'm sure the knowledge is out there
