static timeing

[hotrodder13]

i dont have enough time to get a haynes manual so i was wonding if someone could tell me how to set up the static timeing, i took the dizzy out of the engine so ive bin told i need to set it up. also what torque does the cylinder head nut want to be

thanks tom

[PSL184]

Head bolts 45lb/ft and rocker pedastals 25 lb/ft. For timing, set engine so that No1 cylinder is on fireing stroke. drop in the dizzy and look for the position of the rotor arm - it will be pointing to No 1 plug lead. then go around the dizzy anticlockwise fitting the leads in firing order of 1, 3, 4, 2. Once the engine has started fine tune timing by advancing slightly until you get the engine to knock (pink) then back it off slightly. This will give the optimum setting for your engine. Don't forget to retorque head bolts after the first heat cycle and tighten them up the centre ones moving outwards in a circular pattern....

[MarkyB]

If it pinks under load (going up a hill) back it off a bit more until it will only happen when the engine is really straining ( going uphill with the local pie eating champs aboard )

[hotrodder13]

thanks for the help , ive bin told i need to know the degree ( i dont know) does anyone know of this or should i find out more

thanks tom

[PSL184]

It matters not. Think "zero" degrees if you want. Static timing is just to get the engine started so you can set the timing correctly dynamically......

[kittyfell]

That's right, don't worry about degrees because any figures given were defined years ago on unleaded petrol, so not relevant now. As others have said you should get it running using TDC if it bothers you and then initially fine tune it to get the smoothest idle and then optimise on the road while listening for pinking.