Timing Confusion

[Tiramisu]

I have read the tech article on setting the timing and have some confusion on one issue. I found both TDC and the red 27 BTDC marks on the impeller (I checked with the template just to be sure). Since the original timing was lost do I make sure the rotor is pointing to the notch in the dizzy while at the 27 BTDC or TDC? I just bought a timing light and one of those hand held tachs to do the rest. (thanks for whomever posted the info about the sunpro deal for $15).

[Tiramisu]

Oh..this is for a 1974 2.0

[SteveStromberg]

Rev it up to 3k rpm and use the 27 mark if you have FI for carbs you will need about 32 which is in the middle for the Thick Casting on the fan. Steve

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The "point the rotor at the notch" part is very approximate. I think the metal contact on the rotor extends at least 30 or 40 degrees' worth of crankshaft rotation.

Nominally, the rotor points at the notch at near TDC. In actual fact, don't worry about it. Disconnect the vacuum hoses from the distributor dashpot (or from the throttle body if you prefer), rev the engine up to 3500 RPM (you might not quite get all of the advance at 3000, you should by 3500) and twist the distributor body until the 27 deg BTDC mark lines up at the notch.

You use one hand to hold the timing light, one hand to twist the distributor, your third hand to hold the RPM at 3500... (Or you get some idea of how many fan blades you are off--the mark should be close to 1 blade to the right of the thick spacer--and then let the RPMs come back to idle and turn the distributor so you move however many fan blades you were off. Then check at 3500 again. Repeat until it lines up.)

--DD

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