Ignition timing any thoughts?

[Countrymansussex]

After reading the various tech files that it is possible to advance the ignition far more than the standard 4 degrees BTDC I worked up the courage to have a go myself. I did it by advancing in small stages and driving under load untill it pinked, then I retarded untill the pinking stopped. All pretty standard stuff to the old sweats but to a novice like me what was amazing was that I was able to advance the ignition to 16degrees BTDC. The truck starts easily on petrol and runs really nicely on LPG. My only Q is, is there any risks with running so far advanced? The truck runs really nicely and in theory running that much advance should help the LPG. Cheers Nick

 

[jarviea10]

Yes, because LPG is rated at 112 octane it being more advanced helps alot, as for your question no it shouldn't affect it running too advanced as you'll get pinking which you can adjust before any damage. Only thing I can suggest is as you're on LPG get some magnocor leads and they give The bigger spark LPG needs. Also fitting one of RPI's A&R amplifiers as it lefts you run two sets of timing one for LPG and another for petrol and replaces the dizzy bolt on amp boosting power to 100% vs the standard 60% output

 

[Countrymansussex]

Thanks for the advice. Already use Taylor 8mm leads and Flamethower coil. Have heard that the RPi amp is prone to early faliure so haven't fitted one. Cheers Nick

 

[landowner]

Thanks for the advice. Already use Taylor 8mm leads and Flamethower coil. Have heard that the RPi amp is prone to early faliure so haven't fitted one. Cheers Nick

16 deg is a lot so maybe the auto advance is sticking and allowing more low down advance if you know what I mean.
Could clean out and oil the bobweights and make sure they are working.

No harm will be done if she doesn't pink under load and as you say the LPG likes more advance anyway.
I use to have two tipex marks on my dizzy and adjust for petrol or LPG.

 

[vougese39]

if you keep the igintion system in good condition stick to genuine parts from the dealer replace every two years you will not get a failure and save a fortune from the others out there selling gadgets that you really do not need

 

[jarviea10]

Have heard that the RPi amp is prone to early faliure so haven't fitted one. Cheers Nick

The only thing that fails inside them is a transistor, which can be bought for a few quid and off it goes

The one in my RRC looks like it's been there a while and I tested it when I was setting the timing and replacing the dizzy, and it was all good.

 

[Countrymansussex]

Gents thanks for the comments. I deference to advice from those more experienced and skilled I have set the timing to 12 degrees BTDC rather than 16 degrees. The truck starts and runs very well on petrol and LPG. It is running how I want it and I do heed the advice to stick to genuine parts. In the most part I have used genuine parts but tried the flamethrower coil as same price as LR coil. I must confess the truck seems to run slightly better with the flamethrower coil. When the time comes to swap coil and leads I will try Gen LR kit and report back. I agree with Vougese39 that correct maintenance is the key to reliability and stay away from cheap fleabay kit, I learn't that the hard way!!!

 

[jamesmartin]

later engines use knock sensors to keep timing at optimum,as long as your not getting excessive knock your just doing the same

 

[POAH]

I'll echo V's comment about the standard ignition comments - absolutely no need to anything else.

if you keep the igintion system in good condition stick to genuine parts from the dealer replace every two years you will not get a failure and save a fortune from the others out there selling gadgets that you really do not need