[Landlover99]

Hi all,

Does anyone know how far before TDC (BTDC) the dynamic timing at tickover speed needs to be set? IOW, where should I paint me white dot on the crankshaft pulley gradations prior to breaking out the timing light? This is the normally aspirated 3.5 litre V8 with reluctor ring ignition (in case that matters.)

Cheers,
LL

 

[norseman]

Hi all,

Does anyone know how far before TDC (BTDC) the dynamic timing at tickover speed needs to be set? IOW, where should I paint me white dot on the crankshaft pulley gradations prior to breaking out the timing light? This is the normally aspirated 3.5 litre V8 with reluctor ring ignition (in case that matters.)

Cheers,
LL

Model year?
I don't put too much faith in timing lights as they are only a guide to the manuf. settings back when the engine was built. The readings don't take into account the years of wear 'n tear or the grade of petrol you are using.

I've only ever had (4) of the EFI versions but I would start at TDC & with the dizzy clamp just nipped up give the car a good run to get it properly warm, then see how far advanced you can set the timing without inducing pinking.

 

[Landlover99]

Model year?
I don't put too much faith in timing lights as they are only a guide to the manuf. settings back when the engine was built. The readings don't take into account the years of wear 'n tear or the grade of petrol you are using.

I've only ever had (4) of the EFI versions but I would start at TDC & with the dizzy clamp just nipped up give the car a good run to get it properly warm, then see how far advanced you can set the timing without inducing pinking.

Er's a 1989. Advance until it pinks and then back it off 'a bit' is a novel idea to me. My rough and ready approach before I got a light was to twist the dizzy back and forth to establish where the engine was struggling in both directions, then set it right in the middle of those two extremes. But as I say, I do have light now - although if I'd known better I'd have got one with a tacho built-in.