Timing marks

[marsonearth]

Hi
The attached picture is the timing marks on my seriesIIa 4cyl
How do I tell where the correct timing position is?

Thanks

Steve

[JDNSW]

The pointer and pulley both appear non-standard. There should be a mark on the pulley, and this should align with the RH point at TDC. But the pointer should only have three points, not four, and I suspect the "standard" three are the three LH ones. The pointers are three degrees apart. Check which one is TDC by feeling the piston top with a screwdriver through the (No 1) plug hole - this can be used to mark the pulley if it does not have a mark.

Timing is set static, and the manual specifies 6 degrees BTDC for the 7:1 and TDC for 8:1 using 90 octane (near enough to our unleaded). When moving the distributor to set timing, make sure that the correct position is taken up moving the distributor body in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation (usually an arrow on the rotor). The distributor is moved after loosening the clamp on the distributor.

John

[Aaron IIA]

Just advance it until it pings under load, then retard it a little bit. This will give you optimal timing.

Aaron.