Static timing

my latest question - Can I still static set the timing on my 1700 type 4 engine with electronic ignition fitted? Thanks in advance for any help.
m

 

Yes just set the rotor arm to point to the notch in the dizzy - should be close enough to fire it up for strobe timing.

 

thanks
m

 

Use static timing to start the engine, then use a strobe to finish the job.

 

Yes...if the electronic module isn't one that switches the coil off if the engine's not running. So something like a Pertronix 1 behaves exactly the same as contact breakers.

 

Pertronix even click like points.

 

If its one of the clever modules like Pertronix 3 or the Accuspark Stealth style you can still do static timing by puttimg the crank at the correct timing and then rotating the distributor backwards and forwards rapidly. Eventually you can make a guess about where the ignition actually fires and leave it there. Then time it properly or just hotwire the starter and time it with the starter motor.
This is for when the distributor has to be at a funny timing angle because the drive gear is not indexed on TDC according to the book. Notch should be close on correct installation.