Setting Timing Correctly

[ALEX 98 1 Cars]

Following the Haynes It says the double line should align with the BTDC mark. I spent an hour looking for the double line only to read the manual again where it says ...and on later models with a single line adjust the timing to the corresponding timing mark .

Looking closely there's only one notch on the timing plate too

So have I done the timing right by adjusting it with a strobe so the line on the fly aligns with the notch on the plate? I could only manage 900RPM as the idle is a bit rough and cuts out at the book stated 700RPM.

I had the Vac disconnected and plugged of course but the adjustment looks quite retarded about 1/4 of the way on the slot from the fully retarded end.

I then adjusted the AFM mixture using my gas tester to around 2.3.

It Idles really well but the drive isn't too smooth. Like it's having trouble keeping a constant speed when cruising.

 

I had this symptom since I replaced the faulty Vac Advance unit, I thought the original advanced timing position (about 3/4 of the way from retarded end) would be compensating for the lack of a functional vac advance unit.

It did fly when I replaced the unit with a working one though, but the mixture was way out or something idle was crap and it didn't run smooth then either.

 

Could someone clarify if I've timed it up correctly so I can work from there.

I think i've desturbed some wiring or something when I changed the advance unit.

I've got some new plugs and ordered a set of leads but I'm not confident it will fix the problem though

Edited December 12, 2009 by ALEX

[ALEX 98 1 Cars]

I think I've sorted this.

I advanced the timing from the book setting and it's fine now, powers there and everythings smooth.

Thanks for your help though guy's! ...

 

 

 

[MerlinGTI 3]

2.3 CO on idle is to much dudey, should be around 1.5.

 

Glad you got it sorted tho

 

To be honest, even though I own a timing light, my car is missing the 'plate' so I've always adjusted it by advancing till it pinks on load then backing it off a tad. No problems here Even with the 'minty under the arch's' ignition timing method

[ALEX 98 1 Cars]

Is it?

I thought the limit was 2.5 for emissions test?

 

I used to do the same method for timing too. This time though it was rough running after I fitted a new advance unit.

I think with me faffing I've disturbed some wiring causing the rough cruising speed.

It seems fine now though with the last tweak I did with it.

[welshpug 1,666]

no, the limit is 3.5, they run best in my experience between 1.5 and 2.

 

fitting the new Advance capsule wouldn't have altered the base setting, but would have improved the closed or part throttle ignition timing which affects cruising fuel economy (that is if the timing was correct beforehand...)

 

personally I set the idle to about 850-900 warm, or whatever they need to not cut out under load, which is often a little higher, though on Motronic I've found it can be a lot lower as the management can control it to a much finer degree as it controls the spark.

Edited December 15, 2009 by welshpug