Static Timing /Timing light ?

[Arfron]

What is the correct mark for setting the static timing . There are 3 pointers TDC - 5 degrees + 5 degrees on the timing cover . I set the static timing between TDC and 5 degrees . One manual says 3 degrees advance , the other 5 degrees advance . Which is correct ??
If I use a timing light on plug 1 , which pointer on the timing cover should I use ( 5 degree pointer ?? ) Cheers Arfron's fine tuning department --I wish !!?

[Kevin]

Just one thing are you using an unleaded head or standard.

[Arfron]

Kevi , Thanks for the reply
The head has not been coverted - as far as I know , therefore 'standard ' . Arfron

[ColinP]

Arfon,

My Haynes manual uses +3 degrees for the 1098cc, so I guess the +5 is for the 948 (I've got the 1098cc!).

IIRC from earlier posts, there's no point in using a strobe light for dynamic timing - the centrifugal advance starts ~ 400 rpm - well below the idle speed. So, you'll be measuring something that's changed already.

I'm sure the resident experts will sort me out if that's wrong.....

Kevin - why should the unleaded/leaded head make a difference? The determining factor for timing is the Octane rating of the fuel used. That's usually adjusted by the old fashioned way of driving at 20mph in top, flooring the throttle and retarding the ignition until it stops pinking!

Colin

[Kevin]

Kevin - why should the unleaded/leaded head make a difference? The determining factor for timing is the Octane rating of the fuel used.

Agreed and the original setting were for 4 star petrol and leaded heads.

That's usually adjusted by the old fashioned way of driving at 20mph in top, flooring the throttle and retarding the ignition until it stops pinking!

And using a timing light so you know whats going on and what to set the timing at in future.

[Alec]

Hello Arfron,
if using a stroboscopic timing light don't forget to disconnect the vacuum line to the distributor or you will be way out.

Alec

[57traveller]

Arfron - are you sure about the pointers? There is usually a larger pointer indicating TDC and the two smaller at 5 and 10 deg. BTDC.

[Arfron]

Thanks for all the advice so far .
I will : disconnect the vacuum pipe + use my srrobe to set timing accurately , assuming that it is correct to do so ? So , how many degrees for a standard head ( not un-leaded - using LRP ) 3 degtees ??

Sorry ,if my description of the pointers was un- clear . To confirm-- the larger pointer is TDC and the two smaller are 5 and 10 degrees BTDC as you rightly describe ,57 traveller .

NOW , which pointer do I aim my strobe. at ?? Arfron

[Cam]

The first small one after the large one. 5 degrees should be fine.

[Arfron]

Thanks Cam Arfron

[57traveller]

Sorry Arfron, I read - 5 as minus five

[Arfron]

I must agree , it did look as if it was minus 5 . Still --all sorted, I hope . Thanks everyone Arfron