Thread: the disco backfired and blew off the pipes

Try 12, if it runs a bit jerky at low speed try 10. It varies a bit because not all distributors advance the same, because of wear, different specs etc.

I run mine at 10d with standard unleaded and LPG. I used to run 12d but found it would ping under load towing the camper. Don't want to run premium.

How bloody painful is it to adjust the dizzy on these!

Originally Posted by Utemad

I run mine at 10d with standard unleaded and LPG. I used to run 12d but found it would ping under load towing the camper. Don't want to run premium.

How bloody painful is it to adjust the dizzy on these!

Fair comment. I find that if you undo the alternator tensioner bar, then swing it back, access to the clamp nut is much easier.

Originally Posted by bee utey

Fair comment. I find that if you undo the alternator tensioner bar, then swing it back, access to the clamp nut is much easier.

Can't do that on a serpentine belt V8.

Originally Posted by Utemad

Can't do that on a serpentine belt V8.

True enough, though I can't remember having much trouble adjusting on a serp, I must have a spanner that gets in there. May I suggest bending/shortening a special spanner for the job, keep it in the car kit.

I had a quick look around other parts of the forum (including searches...which are a bit painful because you can't search more than once a minute and if nothing comes up you have to twiddle your thumbs until it lets you search again) so I was going to ask for advice on tuning my Disco myself. I'm going to try and replace the plugs and leads this weekend and check the tune with a timing light which I can get off my Dad. How do I actually adjust the timing? Is there a screw somewhere or do I need to adjust the dizzy? I have not actually fully tuned a car before so any help would be great...or if someone knows of a good thread sitting somewhere on the forum too that would be great

Originally Posted by Young Angus

I had a quick look around other parts of the forum (including searches...which are a bit painful because you can't search more than once a minute and if nothing comes up you have to twiddle your thumbs until it lets you search again) so I was going to ask for advice on tuning my Disco myself. I'm going to try and replace the plugs and leads this weekend and check the tune with a timing light which I can get off my Dad. How do I actually adjust the timing? Is there a screw somewhere or do I need to adjust the dizzy? I have not actually fully tuned a car before so any help would be great...or if someone knows of a good thread sitting somewhere on the forum too that would be great

Tuning is old school. Similar to your Ford. Loosen the Dizzy, Remove your Vacuum advance, Timing light to Number one spark plug and shine your timing light down the harmonic balancer from the passenger side and turn the dizzy to adjust timing. Get under the car first and clean the timing marks and mark with a white pen to make it easier to see.
Should also look at LOVEMYRANGIE post on setting up the MAF as this also helped.

Thanks heaps David So you actually loosen the dizzy and rotate it to adjust timing correct?