70 - 911E ignition timing

[Allan Broadribb]

I pulled my engine out recently to fix the clutch, I have it back in the car but it is not idling properly. I did remove the distributor to replace the "O" ring but I did not loosen the adjusting screw, just took out the retaining bolt and I thought I had it back in the same position. The engine was idling slow so I adjusted the idle screws (Weber carbs) - then it would go to 2000 rpm and stay there and not come down even though the throttle was closed.

My diagnosis is that the timing is too advanced or, possibly, the advance weights in the distributor are not returning to the fully retarded position. Next trick is to pull the distributor apart while it is in the car because I can't get a wrench on the retaining bolt.

I need to know how set the timing - it is a Permatune ignition installed by the PO and I do not have the instructions.

Thanks,

[Allan Broadribb]

Bump - I'd really like to get this fixed this weekend. If anyone knows how to get the distributor retaining bolt out without dropping th rear of the engine I'd like to know. Do you set the timing the same way with the permatune as you would with the original ignition with points?

Thanks

[Nitrometano]

Do you use an inductive or digital timming light to set the timming? If you have air leak at the intake manifold of the weber or the air needles too open you will have a high idle speed. To set the distributor you need to have the 1 piston totally in compression stroke and the damper in TDC position. The distributor rotor should be pointing to the mark that it have in the housing. Is not, you are out of timming. Take out the distributor and move only one teeth frontward or backwards. That depends where the distributor rotor are pointing. If you dont want to take out the distributor change the spark plugs order. Where the spark cable 1 goes, put it where the spark plug cabe #6 goes and follow that order. The firing order is 1-6-2-4-3-5. Good luck!

[Allan Broadribb]

Well, you'll all be happy to know I finally got the distributor out of my car, took it apart, cleaned it up, put it back, set the timing and the engine is running like a charm.

I bought a 13mm crow foot wrench which enabled me to get on the retaining nut under the distributor with ease.