TheSamba.com :: View topic - Timing with Degree Pulley

Sat Apr 02, 2022 3:38 pm

So just getting my engine installed after replacing seals, pushrod tubes, etc.
I have adjusted points and valves and looking to check timing.
I have a old school timing gun so no advance. I did static timing to get started.
I have a pully with degree markings and used this to set the valves.

So the questions-
When I start the engine and check timing I get about 29 degrees at idle. I idle up to 3000 and get around 50 degrees. These are rough numbers.
I'm guessing that with an timing gun with advance the 29 would read zero like it should?

What should I read idling at 3000? How does the math work?

Never did this before, just been reading. Is there another way that I should be doing this?

Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:24 pm

I use mechanical 010 distributor so at 3000 rpm I get 30 degrees total advance. Mech or vacuum distrib? they are done differently i believe.

Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:27 pm

c21darrel wrote: Mech or vacuum distrib? they are done differently i believe.
Mechanical only, set 28-32º BTDC @ 3500rpm
Vacuum/mechanical, remove the vacuum line, plug the port on the carb, then set to 28-32º BTDC @ 3500rpm
Vacuum only, remove the vacuum line, plug the port on the carb, set to 7/5º BTDC @ 800rpm

Sat Apr 02, 2022 5:10 pm

NEVER GO OVER 32 at any RPM.

Sat Apr 02, 2022 6:53 pm

Glenn wrote: c21darrel wrote: Mech or vacuum distrib? they are done differently i believe.
Mechanical only, set 28-32* BTDC @ 3500rpm
Vacuum/mechanical, remove the vacuum line, plug the port on the carb, then set to 28-32* BTDC @ 3500rpm
Vacuum only, remove the vacuum line, plug the port on the carb, set to 7/5* BTDC @ 800rpm

Alright, so its a Mechanical distributor (0 231 178 009 JF 4) no vacuum line so set at 28-32 BTDC @3500. I will take a look tomorrow and report back.

Thanks for the replies!

Sun Apr 03, 2022 11:03 am

Alright, think I'm on the right track. Not sure why the readings were so off yesterday but I believe everything looks more normal today.
With the static timing I was idling around 12 and mid 30s at 3500. I lowered it at idle to 7.5 and at 3500 its right at 30.
Looking at the degrees while timing I'm looking at the markings to the right of TDC. To clarify, this is correct?

Mon Apr 04, 2022 8:18 am

Quote: set 28-32º BTDC @ 3500rpm

The setting you choose will depend on the octane of the gas you use.

Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:15 am

Craigbro wrote: Alright, think I'm on the right track. Not sure why the readings were so off yesterday but I believe everything looks more normal today.
With the static timing I was idling around 12 and mid 30s at 3500. I lowered it at idle to 7.5 and at 3500 its right at 30.
Looking at the degrees while timing I'm looking at the markings to the right of TDC. To clarify, this is correct?

Yes, your timing light will illuminate a mark on your pulley that is to the right of TDC. Your timing now looks good based on your latest numbers.