Set timing for first time

[drooartz]

So I'm setting the static timing on the new motor today. A few questions, as I want to be absolutely sure, and I've never done this from scratch like this:

1. Valve types (exhaust/intake) match up with the piping, so front to back they go:

ex in in ex ex in in ex

2. TDC is when the #4 cylinder exhaust (the last valve to the back) is just closing, ie the spring is decompressing, and the marks on the pulley are at zero. This way you have the proper cycle.

3. The #1 spark plug position on the rotor is roughly 2 o'clock.

Do I have this correct?

If this is correct, it looks like I got lucky and put the distributor in properly and not 180 out.

 

[paulsherman]

Because I have been refered to as: "180 OUT" in the past, I used the John Twist method of finding TDC. Fabricated a manometer with clear plastic tubing and a drilled out spark plug. To see this demo. you can find it on the University Motors web site. Lots of other good stuff there.

 

[dklawson]

From your other thread it sounds like you have already handled the timing issue.

Regardless, a certain way to find TDC for timing purposes is to remove the valve cover and spark plugs. Look in the spark plug hole for cylinder #1 and turn the engine over until the piston in #1 cylinder is at the top AND its rocker arms are "loose" so you can wiggle them. That means the valves are closed and indicates you have #1 TDC on its firing stroke.

From there, turn the engine BACK about 30 degrees on the crank then SLOWLY turn it back forward stopping at your desired static timing position. If you don't know what value to use, arbitrarily choose something between 5-8 BTDC. That will be close enough for starting. Once the engine is at operating temperature you can set the dynamic timing.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks, Doug. I'll be going over the timing one last time before I start it up, and it's good to have another way to double check that I'm at the right spot.