Setting Timing

[Large Arbor]

Thanks for all the responses. Builder wants timing set at 35 degrees at 4,000 rpm. I do not know what that translates at startup.

Right now I have the rotor button at #1 and the balancer at 0. If I rotate the crank once, the rotor button goes to #6. Rotate twice and I am back to 1.

Is it likely that once I set at 35 degrees at 4,000 rpm that the idle will smooth out? Sorry for so many questions as I am learning here.

Phil

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Large Arbor

Thanks for all the responses. Builder wants timing set at 35 degrees at 4,000 rpm. I do not know what that translates at startup.

With the MSD distributor, your total timing is the sum of the limit marked by the color of the bushing and your initial timing amount. The bushing that limits my total advance is the silver one (25 degrees). My initial timing at idle is 10 BTDC. So, my total, all in, timing is 35 degrees BTDC and my curve, with the light silver spring and the blue spring, brings it all in well before 3000 RPM.

[patrickt]

... and you know you don't actually stick your hand in your engine, while it's revving at 4000 RPM, and turn the distributor while it's revving that fast. You turn the distributor while it's idling, then rev it up to 4000 and put your light on the marks to see what it is. Then go back down to idle and turn the distributor until you get it right.

[Bernica]

A good adjustable timing light is very handy to have to dial it in. So is a TDC indicator that you insert in the #1 spark plug hole to nail it on TDC. Then, you look at the markings on the damper and will see if you are set right. Sometimes you end up re-marking the damper because the TDC does't jive with true TDC as evidenced by the indicator. Of course, you can also do same with the valve cover off...
Just my 2c.

[Bernica]

Something like this. There are many out there and this is just an example...

Innovative Products of America Standard Top Dead Center Indicators 7880 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

[patrickt]

Just don't crank the engine with the TDC finder screwed in to the spark plug hole.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Just don't crank the engine with the TDC finder screwed in to the spark plug hole.

Yeah, that could be most tragic!

[patrickt]

But he is right that you should confirm your TDC marking on your damper. The pointer could have gotten banged around, and some FE dampers are like seven degrees different than others. I don't know why. It literally takes two minutes to confirm your TDC with the little screw in tool and AutoZone has them, as does most of the chain auto part stores.