new dizzy / timing

[av8]

Can anybody please tell me the best way to time the distributor, I've fitted a new one with modern points, just want to know where to set the advance and retard, points gap I think is 18thou, and I know you get tdc by using the timing pin (can you get it 180 out?). Where do you point the rotor arm is it in the centre of number one pin on the dizzy
Thanks Andy

[Bob C]

AV8, Check out Marco's web page on timing.
http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

Bob

[flatford39]

Yes, you can be a 180 degrees out. A simple way to set the timing is to take number one spark plug out and put your thumb over the hole. When you feel compression you are near TDC. When the dowel slips into the timing gear mark you are there. The rotor should be pointing at number one & yes the point gap is 18thou. It really depends on the motor you are working on as to where to set the rotor position. I have had pretty good luck generally pointing it a little behind the number one terminal in the distributor cap.

Good Luck,

Tom

[vtwinsideways]

Another tip, use a small phillips screwdriver instead of the pin to locate the hole on the camshaft gear. I've seen guys grind their pins to a point, or drill the hole in the gear deeper, but I can't remember to drill the gear while it's not in the engine, and I'm not a fan of grinding the pin. Luke