Ignition Timing

[tschultz]

Hello everybody,

I was trying to reset the ignition timing of my distributor after I was dumb enough to pull it out when everything was running well.

My question is how do you get the little ball to show in the small window?
I went through the FAQ and have read it thoroughly, I just haven't been able to get the ball to show in the window no matter how much I turn my distributor.

What am I doing wrong? The procedure seems simple enough, but I haven't been able to find the ball for the viewing window.
I'm sure I am not at TDC, how do I get there? Doesn't seem like anything is turning when I rotate my distributor.
I do not yet have a manual yet, so please bear with me.


Thanks in Advance, I feel dumb for taking it out.

[KenB]

Just to be sure the fundamentals are in place:

You turn the *engine* to move the flywheel and get the engine to TDC, not the distributor. Push the car slowly while in high gear or better still use a 36mm socket on the front vibration damper nut.

But you already knew that, right?

That said, it can be hard to see and you may need a good concentrated light source to see it well when you get the engine to TDC. Perhaps put some paint on it when you find it to make it easier to see. Proceed from there.

[Falkenberg]

The ball at the backside of the engine is not at TDC but at 22 degrees (I believe). That sign is to be used only when the engine is running. You will then also need a stroboscope that flashes when the spark plug of cylinder 1 fires.
Procedure is as follows (I hope I didn't forget anything):
- unplug all the vacuum lines from the distributor and block them,
- set the rpm of the engine conform spec where ignition advance should be 22 degrees (mine is at 1700RPM),
- rotate the distributor until the ball shows up at the mark,
- if engine RPM changed due to ignition timing adjustment, correct engine RPM and repeat previous step,
- stop engine, tighten distributor, reconnect vacuum lines in correct position.

There is a TDC sign on the front pulley that can be used to set the ignition when the engine is not running. This way of setting is good enough to get the engine going.

[KenB]

Just installed a flywheel and it's marked at 0* and at 22*

[Blaise]

Hello everybody,

I was trying to reset the ignition timing of my distributor after I was dumb enough to pull it out when everything was running well.

My question is how do you get the little ball to show in the small window?
I went through the FAQ and have read it thoroughly, I just haven't been able to get the ball to show in the window no matter how much I turn my distributor.

What am I doing wrong? The procedure seems simple enough, but I haven't been able to find the ball for the viewing window.
I'm sure I am not at TDC, how do I get there? Doesn't seem like anything is turning when I rotate my distributor.
I do not yet have a manual yet, so please bear with me.


Thanks in Advance, I feel dumb for taking it out.

I think that the responses so far are right on, but just to make sure that you are clear.

By removing the distributor from the car, you are now in a position to have to re-install it making sure that the drive gear teeth engage the engine properly. If you are a tooth (or more) off, you will not be able to set the timing properly on the engine.

Here is a great guideline of how to install your distributor correctly.

http://www.firstfives.org/faq/timing/Cam_timing_faq.htm

If I understand correctly, you will have to have the valve cover off to do the above.

To turn over the engine, you can put the car in gear and roll it forward or back....or turn the large (36mm) nut at the front of the engine. DO NOT TRY TO TURN THE DISTRIBUTOR.

Once you get the distributor back in the car correctly, you can then follow the instructions on timing the engine properly.

In other words, installing the distributor with the gear teeth meshing correctly sets you up to be able to set the timing within a normal range. Then you can turn the body of the distributor, to fine tune the adjustment (which you will measure with a timing light).

Hope this helps.

[tschultz]

Great information guys, thanks!
I appreciate the clarification and will likely delve into this in the next few days since it is more involved than I thought.

Currently it is off so far that now the car won't start.

So would it be best to remove the valve cover and align the TDC position. I guess I will have to verify if I am in power stroke or exhaust stroke.

[T.Hanson]

Pulling the valve cover to actually see the cam is in position is the foolproof method.

On the other hand, lining up the front pulley mark on the raised nub is a 50/50 deal. You can carefully install the distributor as per the FAQ instructions.

If the engine doesn't start, remove the distributor, rotate the engine around again to line up the two front marks and reinstall.

I.e., the marks only align on top dead center OR 180 degrees out.

[tschultz]

So after initial alignment, the car would not start.

I slid out the distributor, turned the harmonic balancer to the alignment position and returned the dist. Now when I crank the car, I get a backfire. None of the ignition wires were touched, so I know they are connected properly. What did I do wrong?

Haven't been able to get the car started in order to reset ignition timing.

The car was running perfect before I pulled out the distributor, so I am confident there are no vacuum leaks. I touched nothing else with the engine.

Appreciate the responses!

[KenB]

So you rotated the engine to TDC and then you slotted the distributor in so that when it bottomed the rotor was pointing at the notch on the housing? Then you clamped the distributor in snugly?

If not, start there.

[tschultz]

Thanks Ken. I may have been a tooth or so off when I trying it. Readjusted and got it running. Now I will have to use a timing light and set it to spec.

[Blaise]

Thanks Ken. I may have been a tooth or so off when I trying it. Readjusted and got it running. Now I will have to use a timing light and set it to spec.

There you go. Congrats.

[Robert Bondi]

Hey Tom,

Good to hear from you.

It looks like it's already been covered in this thread, but I once experienced the heart ache of the 50/50 chance of getting it right unless you pull the valve cover. Most timing procedures seems to leave that important detail out. The camshaft spins twice for every one spin of the crank, so TDC and distributor pointing to plug #1 doesn't guarantee success.

It's best to time it to spec (at specific RPM - varies by model), then tweak the distributor for your own performance needs. I usually run a little extra advance.

Robert

P.S. You happen to know if the Pagosa Springs meet is still planned for August this year?

[tschultz]

Good to know, thanks Robert.

I actually talked to Neel, and it sounds like it is still planned.
We need to get a date set, but it will likely be sometime in August again. I am thinking we should be able to get a group double the size this year. I'm going to try and get the word out like I dd last year by posting on forums and everything.

Tom