Noob dumb timing mark questions.

[wagons]

So I have been looking up distributor timing threads and cannot find my answer. Bring the flywheel to "0"puts tdc on number 1 piston. However when flashing the timing light, which way is btdc? Numbers in clockwise rotation (right of zero) on flywheel show up to 20 And left of zero (counterclockwise) up to 10. Which numbers are advance and retard? I don't want to f this up as it fires right up but needs timed. Thanks in advance

[mhisstc]

So I have been looking up distributor timing threads and cannot find my answer. Bring the flywheel to "0"puts tdc on number 1 piston. However when flashing the timing light, which way is btdc? Numbers in clockwise rotation (right of zero) on flywheel show up to 20 And left of zero (counterclockwise) up to 10. Which numbers are advance and retard? I don't want to f this up as it fires right up but needs timed. Thanks in advance

 

They can be hard to see, but there should be an "A" and a "B" (meaning after and before) letters marked just above the timing scale to the left and right side of "0" when looking at the flywheel from the front of the car.  Before TDC should be to the right of "0" (zero) and After TDC should be to the left of "0".

 

You can also logically work this out by considering the engine's clockwise rotation as you stand in front of the engine bay looking at the engine. The end of the range of numbers seen first in the timing window (on the right side of 0) would all be on the Before TDC side of TDC.  Then as the engine continues to rotate, you pass TDC and everything beyond that (on the left side of 0) would be After TDC.

 

To make the timing scale show up better, I usually take a little solvent or mineral spirits on a rag or paper towel and wipe as much gunk off the marks as I can.  Then I'll get a little dust or dirt on a finger and rub it once across the scale and numbers.  That usually helps the numbers and scale show up better.  I've also used a white grease pencil to fill in the marks followed by a paper towel to wipe off the excess.  That makes a nice contrast that shows up nice with a timing light, but it isn't permanent.  For the ultimate in visibility and durability, I'll take a white paint pen, or a little modeling paint on a brush and actually mark a line on the timing scale where I want to set the timing.  The bright white timing mark I'm trying to match to the timing indicator is then completely obvious.

[wagons]

Thanks for the clarification. My buddy just timed his, all the way at the 10 atdc mark. So I think that's why he'd had some major driving issues. I am cleaning the flywheel and using white out to mark the timing lines. Fills the grooves nice and really works with a timing light.

[mhisstc]

Excellent.  I forgot about White Out.

[DaveT]

You haven't specified which engine....  EA82s are supposed to be set at 20 degrees BTDC, so the markings are pretty much self explanatory, as there is no 20 degrees ATDC mark.

 

Timing ios set with the green connectors connected.

 

If you have an older engine, pull and plug the vacuum advance line from the distributor.  I no longer remember the degrees for the older engines, but I have NEVER seen an engine on anything timed ATDC.

[wagons]

Sorry Dave EA82 OHC carb with a Weber. I developed a coolant leak so it's all apart again as the prior owner drilled into a coolant passage on the intake manifold, I am having it fill welded and tapped again for the bigger bolts. I had timing set at 6° btdc thank god when I started it. After reading Jeszeks Weber guide I will be setting it between 16-20 depending on how well it runs as I am at 5200ft elevation.

[subnz]

EA81 OHV engines with  breaker points type distributors / hitachi carbs.

The  ignition timing is 6 degrees BTDC (87 fuel) @ 700 / 800rpm idle ,  with the vacuum hose  off and plugged  - from the vacuum advance unit (on side of  distributor) also.

Edited November 1, 2017 by subnz

[djellum]

Try12 degrees or so.  The 20 deg setting is for fuel injected motors, not carbs.  It works for us unlike other motors cause we dont have any mechanical advance in the normal driving ranges, but the actual specs are 6-8 like other carbs.  Webers are supposed to like some extra timing, I found 12 degrees my sweet spot.  my motors kind of special needs though, its has... substance abuse problems...

[wagons]

Thanks djellum. I am going to definitely try and find it's sweet spot. I found Weber's on subys definitely like between 12-20°. I got told with this elevation by my VW mechanic to try 12-14° as we sit high so we can run a little more advanced timing curve.