Timing trouble

[tomlucke]

I'd be grateful for any advice on my timing.
My traveller has a 1300 Ital engine, HIF44 carb (from a metro GTA I think) and electronic ignition.
I can get it running nicely with the dizzy at a certain position but if I try to start the car with the dizzy at this position it kicks against the starter and often the starter motor gets stuck in the ring gear and I have to dislodge it by pushing the car in 4th gear (very embarrassing in Asda car park).
If I retard the ignition by a few degrees it will start OK but then runs roughly so I have to advance again before the engine runs well.
This means that every time I start the car I have to twist the dizzy back and forth which is a real pain.
I have the vacuum advance disconnected as it is even more rough with the vacuum advance on.

Thanks as always in anticipation.
Tom

[bmcecosse]

Well - you DO need the vacuum advance connected...and test if it works. Suck the pipe and see if the baseplate moves. Where is the carb end connected? can we see a picture of that? Then - you will need to investigate the mechanical advance inside the dizzy - remove the baseplate and inspect the bob-weights - are they free to move and are the springs present and correct - so the weights fall back when released? You are right to avoid the starter kicking! That will only end in a ruined starter - and ring gear...

[tomlucke]

The base plate moves fine with suction.
I haven't checked the bob weights yet...will do.
Picture of vacuum take off from carb attached. The vacuum tube has been removed.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Ah well - that's fine -I just wondered if it was connected directly to the manifold -something like that.