Setting static timing.

Im sure this has been done to death however I have a question re timing. Granted you can set static timing with a light or meter but I seemed to achieve the same results by ear. When at TDC on no 1 I moved the dizzy anti-clockwise with the ignition on and heard the click of the spark in the points. Can o presume this is the exact static timing point. Engine seems to run fine. It is not vacuum advanced. My question is, am I missing something regarding advancing it.

 

Are you setting the timing to 0 degrees (TDC?)

What engine are you running?

 

Yes you can do it that way, but make sure the the play in the advance mechanism it taken up by turning the distributor a long way clockwise first so it pushes the distributor shaft against the stop when you turn it anticlockwise. As Karl said what engine do you have for TDC timing?

 

Hi yes 0 degrees and it’s a stock 1600 with twin 40s

 

Is it a single port engine then?

 

With twin carbs I would think he would be running a SVDA

 

I’m assuming it’s a twin port as you’ve got 40’s on it.

Timing should be 7.5 degrees btdc but as you’re running an 009 the advance is a bit of an unknown. I’d invest in a timing light and check your timing when fully advanced. Also bear in mind that pulleys are swapped over the years so your timing marks (5 atdc/tdc/7.5/10 btdc etc) might not be what you think they are. You can check what the marks are by measuring with a protractor from TDC.

 

Sorry I didnt see the no vacuum bit in the OP, as far as I am aware the only dizzys that are set at 0 are svsa

 

ok thanks will do. It’s 0 degrees on a st0ck 1600 with 40 twin Webber’s

Hi yes twin ports but i

I don’t think it’s an SVDA. Would that not have the vacuum advance in the side of it. I’ve posted a picture it this helps. Basically in my set up I want to get the best performance and wondered if setting the static timing set at 30-32 degrees was recommended. I’m guessing that with an electronic timing this will just advance at higher revs. Excuse my ignorance! I’m at that ‘Dangerous’ stage where I have learnt a few bits, removed the engine and stripped it to paint the engine bay and fan shroud, serviced it and got it back in. I’ve got the mixture right and running nicely. Just want to tweet the timing to optimum. Sorry can’t post a picture atm as signal is bad.

 

Thanks all for your posts, really helpful. Timing lights at home on the shelf and I’m in France! I’ll set to 7.5 degrees btdc and take it out for a run. My pulley has been replaced and it has the numbers on it. I think I initially advanced it too far as it was pinking.

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uM7mVreQfWM/T80RkfFrcNI/AAAAAAAALVw/fEIjyhFCtfg/s1600/pulley marks.jpg

Theres the timing settings,, you cant set it static to maximum advance, just the ones in the chart I attached, you can set it static without using a light just with a bit of wire

 

http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/roadside-timing.84151/


Thats how to do it with any bit of wire ,like @Bigherb said turn it clockwise then slowly anti untill the number plate light comes on with your required mark inline with the join in your case, you get it to the top by turning the alternator nut, make sure the rotor arm is pointing towards number 1 contact or if its got one the notch on the dizzy or you could be 180 out

 

If you have a 009 on a 1600 with twin 40s, 7.5 degrees is the starting point for setup. Ideally you should find it advances to 31 degrees btdc at about 2500/3000 rpm - this us the important bit, not the 7.5 btdc starting point. Hope that helps.

 

He has no timing light,,,

 

Ah...you’re ‘in the field’

Yes. Set the timing to 7.5 degrees btdc on number one cylinder using the method you mentioned. If you watch/listen carefully you will see a spark and hear a faint ‘pop’ when the points open. Once you’re home you can use your timing light to set it up properly.

If you have a vac port on your carbs (Dells) I’d recommend seeking out a vacuum advance distributor. I have Dellorto FRDs on mine with a stock dissy and electronic ignition. Drives lovely from idle.

 

Brilliant advice thanks everyone. I’ve set to 7.5 btdc and running smoothly. Will stick the light on it when I get home.

 

Good news, Just keep checking that she is not getting too hot.

 

Perfect guys, just taken it out for a run. Loads more power and no pinking under load. I guess I was a bit retarded! Revs a little over 10,000 not so will drop them to 9500. Thanks again for your help, really appreciate it. Ben

 

You’ll have a rod through the block at those revs.
Where in France are you?

 

Lots of cooling though!