newbie can't find timing marks

[bigscooter]

hi guys, yesterday i got out the timing light to check the timing, but i don't see any pointers or marks
also what should the timing be set at?
thanks!

[RobThomas]

Pssssst. It's a secret, but, have a look UNDERNEATH the pulley at the 6-o'clock position. They put it there to fool the people who didn't buy the factory manuals.

[simmitc]

There should be three pointers (as above, look below the pulley). They are 10, 5, and 0 degrees BTDC. Single notch on the pulley. Start by static timing with notch half way between 5 and 0 degrees. Adjust from there. Generally just advance until it just pinks under load, and then retard slightly.

[bigscooter]

thanks, i found it . i'm guessin' i should be shooting for the 5 degree mark?

[MarkyB]

I'm guessin' I should be shooting for the 5 degree mark?

The aim is to get the engine running as well as it can, where that is in terms of advance will depend on your engine and the petrol in the tank.

Do the timing marks jump about when looked at with the strobe light?

[bmcecosse]

When the A series was invented - strobe lights were not! The marks were only there for initial setting up - using a simple test lamp or a meter. As mentioned above - you don't need the marks - just advance bit by bit until there is some 'pinking' when you accelerate in top gear - then retard it slightly until it's 'just not quite' pinking. What is worth checking though before doing anything else - is to find out if the vacuum advance is working as it should ! Suck the pipe -and watch to see if the dizzy baseplate advances and retards as you suck and release. No suck - or no movement - means a new vacuum unit is required....... And as you can buy a complete new 45D dizzy from Simonbbc complete with a new vacuum unit - this is the way to go rather than paying almost as much for a new vac unit to fit to your old dizzy........