Step-by-Step Engine Timing Instructions needed

[Allen Gasper]

I am very mechanically inclined, I can disassemble and repair nearly every facet of a car but I slept through engine assembly class.

Anyhow, I am at the point why I want to start the car up. I want to check to make sure I have the spark plug wires going to the right plugs in the right order and wanted to time the engine as well to see if I can turn it over and run the thing. Also, what octane of fuel are you running?

Can smoeone please post a step-by-step of how to time the engine correctly, confirm spark plug wire configuration as well? I have a inductive timing light, but do not know how to use a 12v light on a 6v car, and in all honesty do not know how to set the cars timing.

I would really like to get this car started this weekend.

[Kharon]

Here's some instructions to get you started, if I miss/make errors on something please go ahead and correct/add, these are from memory and I might remember something wrong.

1) Open distributor cap and turn the engine so that cylinder number 1 (check from piston if unsure) is on top and distributor points to correct position (small notch on the top of the distributor side wall). At that point you should have cylinder number 1 wire, foremost cylinder on the right side if are standing on the rear of the car and looking forward.

2) Turn the engine half turn clockwise and put the number two ignition wire here. It's rearmost cylinder on the right.

3) Turn the engine again and put ignition wire number three here, foremost cylinder on the left side.

4) Only one left, should be easy.

5) OK, now you've ignition wires on place, you'll need contact breaker adjustment. Turn the engine clockwise until the breaker gap is at maximum, usually between ignition points, i.e. a quarter turn from top dead center. Adjust the points so that the gap is 0,40mm. You can confirm this later (when the engine runs) with dwell angle meter as it's much more precise tool and dwell angle should be between 40 and 50 degrees. At least to some type1-engines it was given as 44 degrees but I'm not sure if it applies to type3 engine.

Be as precise you can, careless adjustment wth feeler gauge throws the dwell angle easily out of the scale and it's precision work: Last time I managed to get it right ( dwell angle between 40 and 50 degrees) at about third iteration and _I knew_ it's difficult.

6) Now you can adjust timing using the notch marks on the pulley. Use external battery for timing light (I loan a battery from my motorbike for this purpose. ). If you adjust breaker gap, you'll have to adjust ignition timing again as that will change too.

Use new plugs if you don't know the age of the old ones: They might work or they might not, you'll never know and often faulty plugs cause real odd symptoms.

If something is still unclear, I'll try be more specific, just ask.

[Allen Gasper]

Thank you Tuomas. I will give this a try this weekend.