New to timing, help need

[PeterB]

I have read all the forums but I am just double checking. I have a digital timing light with advance that does rpm. I took someone heres advice and bought a Actron C7529. I have a 63 BJ7. The service manual says Strobscapic ignition timing is 15 B.T.D.C. At 600 rpm. When I hook up my timing light and plug the advance hose with a golf tee I get 23 at 700 rpm. I don't think I can idle it lower. All I should have to do now is move the distributor a little to get to about 15? Sorry if it sounds like a dumb question I just have never done this before.

Thanks

 

[TimK]

I have no experience with this and also would like to hear from an expert. My understanding is that you set the advance on the timing light to 15 degrees and move the distributor until the strobe is lighting the pointer at TDC. With an old style timing light, you rotate distributor until the pointer is lighted at 15 degrees before TDC (which you have to estimate about 3/4"). Timing at 700 rpm won't matter vs. 600.

 

[Keoke]

All I should have to do now is move the distributor a little to get to 15 -------YES-- Keoke

 

[tahoe healey]

For small amounts you can use the "A-R" knob. The best way is to set the timing at higher RPM. Set the timing light to 35 degrees and bring the RPMs to 3000 and adjust as needed. This may take a helper.

 

[nevets]

Tim's description of how to use the timing light is accurate...

 

[TimK]

Thanks, nevets