Morris Minor Owners Club

I have had my Traveller professionally timed at a reputable restorer, and when I checked once home it was 25 deg BTDC at 1000 RPM.
Traveller runs okay, but any reason why it is so far out of range of the recommended 10 deg as per Haynes manual
Regards, David Kay

What engine is fitted (1275cc Marina/Ital/Midget/Sprite) and which distributer do you have fitted and what other changes to the engine have you made?
For a 1275cc Midget engine fitted with a 23D4 distributer fitted the timing is 22 degrees BTDC at 1200 rpm with the vacuum pipe disconnected.

When I had my 1098cc rebuilt the engine builder was more concerned with not exceeding the maximum advance than the exact setting at lower revs. There will be a figure for this for your engine.

Is there any evidence of excessive advance? That would be kicking back against the starter (gross over advance) or pinking on hills in high gear (more subtle over advance).

Remember the timing marks may not be very accurate especially if a different pulley has been fitted (e.g a damped pulley for a later engine) and the user has made a new mark.

Stephen

TBH, fuels have changed so much since these engines were made that original specs can easily be a few degrees out. The best timing is likely by a rolling road or by experiment.

oliver90owner wrote: ↑Thu Sep 10, 2026 1:35 pm TBH, fuels have changed so much since these engines were made that original specs can easily be a few degrees out. The best timing is likely by a rolling road or by experiment.

Definitely. This is what was done when I had my car on a rolling road. Timing adjusted to best performance whilst not exceeding the maximum advance.

Stephen

Thank you all for taking the time for posting your expert views.
Much appreciated, Regards, David