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Static timing before engine start up

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chris57

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I read someplace that there is a light bulb check you can do with the distributer to confirm that the contacts are opening at the #1 and about 5 deg before TBC. Can anyone talk me through this? 1275 engine.
 
Wow. Awsome Doug. Thank you. It now leads me to rethink positive vs negative ground. I believe my 64 sprite was originally positive to ground. And that is how I have it now. This car hasn't run in nearly 20 years. I don't know if previous owners switched it over to negative ground. I understand that it's not hard to do. Need to change polarity in the generator. I read that someplace as well.

Onward. Maybe I'll have the engine started this weekend.
 
If you decide to swap polarity, there are a number of online articles and old threads here that can walk you through the process. Links to those can be posted when needed. In the meantime, let me know if I need to clarify anything in the PDF.
 
To static time I just find 8 degrees BTC on #1 and use a ice pick type continuity tester while I rotate the distributor. Don't even have to have the cap off...just use the coil post. If you are not sure whether you are on #1 you may have to remove the valve cover or you may be able to determine that through the oil fill by knowing the valve sequence. Not sure on that but I would bet its possible.

Kurt.
 
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