Using timing light

[Nelson]

I recently had my distributor redone by Jeff and I'm ready to install it. He said to set the timing to 10 to 14 degrees BTDC at idle. I just bought a new timing light to use for the setting up but I am not sure how to procede. With my 948 engine's timing marks being at the bottom of the engine and the dizzy on top how can I move the dizzy and see the timing marks at the same time? The only way that I can think of is to move the dizzy a little and then lay down to see the marks and repeat the process until the timing is correct. Is there an easier way to do this?

 

[Billm]

Nope- you have the idea!
Sorry
BillM

 

[dklawson]

There is hope though. Call Jeff back and buy one of his timing pointer kits. The kit allows you to install a pointer on the timing cover and a timing tape on the front pulley. Jeff has pictures of the kit on his web site.

 

[Billm]

Forgot about that-
Very good idea!!
BillM

 

[Nelson]

I saw that Jeff has the kit but he says it is for the 1275 engine and that made me think that my 948 must somehow be different for that application.

 

[dklawson]

I suspect what may be different between the 1275 and the 948 would be the front pulley. Jeff may not have a timing tape suitable for the 948. However, that doesn't have to stop you. You could still install the pointer and put simple paint marks on the front pulley.

You didn't mention if the new timing light was a simple light or an advance timing light. If you bought an advance light you only need to put a single paint mark for TDC on the front pulley.

 

[Nelson]

I do have the advance type of light so I'll have to see about putting a new timing mark up top. Thanks

 

[dklawson]

Great. With an advance type light all you need is a pointer mounted up high aimed at the rim of the front pulley and a single paint mark to accurately locate TDC. Your advance timing light will make up for the lack of other marks on the pulley. (i.e. If you want to find 8 BTDC, set the light for 8 BTDC and run the engine. Wherever the TDC mark is stationary will be 8 BTDC based on how you adjusted the timing light.)

 

[Jim_Gruber]

OK so I got one of Jeff's Kits with the timing strips and am not confident I got the pointer and strip on the pulley correctly aligned. Guessing I could look to see if Timing was set to 8 degrees BTDC how it compares to the pointer and the strip. Sure that would do it. I've got an extra one of those strips that he sent me if I installed it wrong. OK another task to accomplish to put on the Job Board, recheck timing.

 

[jlaird]

LOL

 

[jgoss]

Where do you get the timing strip?

 

[Nelson]

Jeff at advanceddistributors.com sells the kit for $20. It is designed for the 1275 engine and I have a 948 so I didn't order it. He also sells a tool to locate exact TDC but it is out of stock right now. I'm thinking about taking an old spark plug and making my own based on the picture of the tool on his site.

 

[Guest]

I'm thinking about taking an old spark plug and making my own based on the picture of the tool on his site.

I use a screwdriver.

 

[dklawson]

I have used a dial indicator with a bent piece of coat hanger zip tied to the tip as a probe extension. Reach through #1 spark plug hole with the wire resting on top of the piston. That allows you to find TDC as accurately as when the head is off.

 

[bug_sixty]

who said a metal mirror on the floor won't solve this little annoyance

 

[JPSmit]

who said a metal mirror on the floor won't solve this little annoyance

Just mind that everything will be reversed

 

[Billm]

--kind of like driving a "wrong-hand drive" car!!
BillM

 

[bug_sixty]

daa... English cars we like and love -- Can't we just handle it?