engine timing
 

what is the best way to establish engine timing on first start up after rebuild?


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The best way is to align the distributor with the mark you put in place upon disassembly! If you're renuilding an engine, I assume you've used a timing strobe before?

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Set it to factory spec with #1 at TDC. If you’re running it in at 2k rpm’s then check with timing light and adjust it on the fly to whatever advance is required at 2k, probably around 20 degrees maybe more. Once you get it warmed up to temp check it again and take it up to 3k where you should have full advance.

Then put fresh oil in and get it up to temp. Check the timing at idle and adjust to factory spec. Check again at 3k to make sure you’re getting full advance, then go drive it in the wrong gear, uphill etc. to seat the rings.

I also set it on the fly with a strobe. I set the dizzy to #1 best guess, loosen the dizzy just enough to move it, fire it up and then dial in the timing. I'd stick to 27 degrees total at 3500rpm with carbs. I can get it in the ballpark within seconds of it firing up.
When I did the 3.0 Webers with a twin plug dizzy in my 914, my then 15 year old son set the timing in seconds. I checked his work and it was spot on and it was the first time he'd ever done this job.
For carbs I use a wide band O2 meter, you know instantly if you're jetting is too lean or rich. You don't want to be running lean on break in. Both of my meters were the same nominal readings, so you only really need one meter and one exhaust bung welded in. Many do two meters/bungs as I did, but I took the one meter out and only use the one now.
I also use a head temp sensor (Micro1000 round from aircraftspruce), too hot and you're again likely too lean.

Even my aftermarket EFI/crankfire (different engine) you still have use a strobe to get a baseline of 10 degrees BTDC on the fly, only difference is the adjustments are made through the computer.

Which episode of Wheeler Dealer were you watching when you took the photo?