adjusting timing without a tach?
 

Okay, the WSM calls for adjusting the timing at 3,000 and 5,000 rpm's. However, my tach doesn't work. So what's the MacGyver way of doing it?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1268960067.jpg

Fix the tach or use a timing light with a tach.

Hold onto a spark plug wire and have someone start the car. The jolt you feel will be high at first but will settle around 600-700 RPM. Have your (friend) slowly rev the engine up until you are bouncing aprox. 8 to 9 inches off the floor (this should be close to 3000 RPM) At 5000 RPM you will be at least 1 to 1.5 feet off the ground.
My God bless your soul
SmileWavy:D:D:D:D:DSmileWavy

Lol!!!

I think 5,000 rpm = pissing myself uncontrollably!

Look, this is wrong, if you are going to give advise here you better be giving the proper advise.
First, the spark plug wire must be OFF the plug. Then start the car with finger inserted in the boot. The first jolt will be more like tazering yourself. The next step is to put your face down close to the fender so you can see the damper marks. As you lower your face, you will notice the spark will begin to jump from your nose to the fender. If you are using #1 cyl, simply coordinate the spark jump with the marks on the damper. Now to get the correct RPM, stick your tongue out just a little less distance than your nose. Ever 1000 rpm, the spark will jump from your tongue to the fender, so when you hit 3000 rpm, it will jump 3 times a second from your tongue.
Hope this clears it up.
A digital photo tach with a stick on reflective patch works good also.

On a more serious note...
IIRC...If you have a 12v trouble light, do a static set at 8 deg. (Make a 12v trouble light; a lead with a 12v bulb in line.) Then start it up, and take it for a spin, if it pings pull over and adv a bit, if it is to adv than retard a bit...make a mark (8*)on the plate that you have the dist tightening bolt. You can feel it when it is in the sweet spot ("the Force may be with you?")

Jon

Thanks for the serious replies guys. I will have to wait until I get the fuel accumulator replaced now before I can set the timing.

I bought this one from Harbor Freight yesterday and did my own timing without a 2nd person. Only $30 with a 20% off coupon found on the internet.

http://images.harborfreight.com/cpi/...5699/95670.gif

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Sweetness. Now I've just got to find a Harbor Freight close by....

Online! Order it tonight and have it on your front doorstep by the time you sort out your Fuel Accumulator issue ;)

Leo, How do you like that meter?

Not like I need one, but that one is VERY tempting, almost a clone of a Amazon meter close to $100. The big display, tilted up to read easily, and temp and tach look really handy.

There are two Harbor Freights in town. One on Lamar near Ben White, the other is north on Mopac in the same shopping center as Frys.

Since your advance maxes out at 3 to 5K, just have someone slowly increase the rpm's until there is no more advance, set your timing, tighten down the distributor then give it a test drive.

I like it a lot Mike. Easy to read and it does all cars 4, 6 or 8 cylinders. You can't beat the price too. The only thing scary about doing timing yourself, is reaching under the Spider and bringing it up to 3,000 rpms while pointing the timing light to the Harmonic Balancer. Your kinda bumming if that car jumps on you since your arm is pretty much caught in the Spiders Legs. :eek:

Close by being the key words. I live and work in GT and rarely head into Austin unless I have to, usually just for the 928 gatherings. I hope to be at the next one since I have had bachelor parties the past two 2nd Saturdays. I'm waiting on Roger to call be back concerning the fuel accumulator and two more feet of fuel hose. Then I can get to the timing. Maybe I will actually show up in the 928 next gathering!

One of the things in my tool box is a bag of cheap wooden dowels. I don't do the reach in thing. ;) Unless I have no way around it.

What I like to do is take a long stick, place it on the throttle pedal, drive the seat forward, place the stick on the seat front, drive the seat forward until it mashes the throttle and stop at the RPM that I want. Then I leave it until I'm finished. Don't forget to engage the parking brake. :)

All good tips.