Does this show that I am advanced or retarded

Jlovvorn · Post by **Jlovvorn** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 6:58 am

Right. It's clockwise. Duh.

So, it's set dead on using static light and Ed's methods.

But with strobe the two marks are around 11 or 12 on the dial, rather than over at 2pm matching the timing marks when revved up to 4,000.

I am also around 12 at idle rather than on the mark.

So I am indeed worried.

But what to do about it?

My points plate is secure. Timing rechecked with static light after seeing these readings and it's dead on with Ed's method.

Do these readings mean I am too far advanced and thus should adjust my static timing back?

Or that I am late and should adjust my static timing up?

Or that I need to pull the motor and fix the advance unit?

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 7:18 am

Looks to me like you've got 2 choices:

1. Pull the engine and fix the advance

2. Set the timing by strobe so that the 2 advance marks hit the pointer at 4,000+
You can adjust it while the motor is running if you are careful, or just do the trial and error method till it hits the marks.

There is normally a little difference between the static and strobe methods, but not much.

You could try setting the static timing by first manually ensuring the point cam is fully retarded and see if that changes your readings.

Jlovvorn · Post by **Jlovvorn** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 7:19 am

Wait. I think I got it.

These readings mean I am falling behind at RPM - ie not advanced enough for the two marks to reach the 2pm index mark.

This means I should advance the static timing a little and see what happens - ie, can I get the marks closer to matching at RPM.

And they also mean that my advance mechanism is probably shot.

Wondering if there is a way to test it without pulling the motor.

Jlovvorn · Post by **Jlovvorn** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 7:22 am

Thanks Brewsky.

Rain all day today so I am going to experiment with it some and report back what I find.

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:03 am

I would concentrate on getting the strobe to match the advance marks at 4000 rpm.
If the idle is off somewhat, that's probably going to be ok.

When you check the idle timing with the strobe, make sure the idle speed is low enough so the advance hasn't already started to engage.

Wilf · Post by **Wilf** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:21 am

The readings as shown in your drawing indicate too much advance at idle and at 4000 rpm.

You need to retard the timing, and as has been noted, it's most important to make sure you don't exceed the max advance marks at high rpm.

If your static timing is dead on as you say, then I suspect weak or broken advance springs or a badly worn advance mechanism. You can check the wear somewhat by turning the points shaft as far left as it will go (by hand, engine NOT running), and then turning it clockwise until you feel the spring tension. If there's a lot of arc between those two positions you've got a lot of wear.

Wilf

Jlovvorn · Post by **Jlovvorn** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:22 am

Thanks.

I guess I had it backwards.

Readings left of the mark are advanced, right are retarded.

That is the key issue I was trying to get right in my head.

Will check cam again - didnt move at all last time I tried to move it by hand.

Will then try and set the 4000 idle to match marks, and see where everthing else falls.

I really, really appreciate all the help.

Going to try and get it running as best I can, then make plans to pull the engine to check the advancer, and probably do other work to it while I am at it.

I might just send it out for an overhaul by someone that is smarter than me. I assume there are people on the list that do these regularly.