static timing using a light

[ampwhu]

can someone explain how this is done?

or better still, how to set up static timing when you have at TDC

thanks

[katy]

Turn the distributor untill the points are just starting to open.

[ampwhu]

ok, where do i attach the light?

[bmcecosse]

Run the engine - and slowly advance/retard the dizzy until you get the smoothest idling. Then road test and listen for any sign of pinking. If no pinking - advance slightly until you DO hear a little pinking - and then retard it again until the pinking 'just' disappears. provided the idle is still satisfactory - that's the best you can do with timing. But of course - the vacuum advance mech must be working - to test, suck the little pipe and watch the dizzy baseplate - it should move back and forth as you suck and release. There is absolutely no point setting timing with 'light' or 'strobe' - how would you know where the best setting is for your engine ??