Re: Timing yer engine from scratch

["Brian Hagen" <brian.hagen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Richard,

I did set the TDC timing according to the timing mark but im starting to 
think that the timing mark is off since I had to turn the distributor so it 
contacted the block at the vacumm pot in order for it to start. That SHOULD 
have been severly retarded or over (not sure which)

On your static suggestion... I just turn the distributor by hand and i 
should hear the snap if the key is at START?  If so, ill definitly try that 
tomorrow.


----- Original Message ----- 

After that, something that I have done before replacing the spark plug, 
attach it to the #1 plug with and sit in on a good ground spot.  Loosen the 
distributer slightly and then with the ignition key ON, slowly rotate the 
distributor back and forth.  As the distributor cap contact passes the rotor 
and everything is lined up you will hear it SNAP and possibly see the spark! 
This is the spark jumping, thru what I remember as being called, Static 
Setting your timing.  With everything lined up to TDC, and stopping on the 
snap then you will have the motor completely in TopDeadCenter.  Turn off the 
ignition key and snug down the distributor, replace the spark plug and the 
motor should start up.  Then regular adjustment of the timing will tune you 
in.
This has always worked for me and other friends and at least took care of 
the TDC.  It sometimes got me to the next possible problem.