Ignition Timing

Post by **alanworland** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:53 pm

What do others set the ignition timing at? I have always set to TDC with a lamp across the points, I have in the past set to maximum vacuum in the inlet manifold but can't remember noticing any difference! and I don't ever remember having the engine pink!

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:25 pm

The book says set to TDC and test run. Remember that the engine was originally set up to run on post war 80 octane pool petrol so with modern fuels you should be able to gain some improvement on the original settings. I have always gone for fastest tickover and with my 1000 distributor I am able to tweak the vernier adjustment. Keeping things original you will just have to fiddle with the clamp bolt.

Post by **alanworland** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:45 pm

What (roughly) is the advance that gives the fastest tickover?

Post by **mike.perry** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:39 pm

No idea, just turn the distributor gently until you get the fastest idle speed, tighten the clamp bolt and see how you go. When you have the optimum setting let me know! The trouble with having a water pump is that it is not possible to see the timing mark on the front of the timing case.
p.s. dont forget to warm the engine fully before starting adjustments.

Post by **alanworland** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:32 pm

I quite agree, its impossible to see the marks. I wonder if it might be worth painting another pair of marks around the pulley a bit to perhaps line up with a timing cover bolt?

Post by **mike.perry** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:08 pm

I'll think about tht one when I get the car back and before I put the radiator in.