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timing marks on pulley

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19_again

19_again

Jedi Warrior
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I'm timing the B again, and just noticed there are only four timing points, but Bentley book shows 5 points. tdc and 5-10-15-20. I can't see or feel where one may have broken off, any reason why this might be? I had timed it last week and it was almost perfect, but still needed a distributor tweak. I tried a shortcut and now I'm starting from scratch./ Last week I must have used the second notch, that being 10 btdc, but I just noticed that there are only four. Advice please.
 
well after scouring our archives with no luck, I'm wandering through ebay and see a "65 timing chain cover but this one has only THREE markers. Since the car seems to run fine using the second mark I guess my question is answered but it seems odd that no where can you find a reference to anything other than a five point timing marker.
 
shucks, wing it for another mark if necessary.
 
Came across this somewhere, early MGB cover, I think. Notice, it appears there's only three timing marks. Hope the photo comes out large enough.

88d5_1.jpg
 
Yeah Paul, that's the one I saw, or one like it, on Ebay. I realized after seeing no responses that it was a pretty simple thing in some people's minds insofar that if the darn things running right, I must have the right timing. BUT that also seems like a perfect example of wishing it to be so or assuming when in reality after 100 miles my timing chain could be in in pieces. I guess there are several "right" ways to set the degree of timing, but in the end it's if it works it must be right.
Thanks for the input.
Mike
 
Not puttin' a Zen influence to this but: engines are all different. Each one has it's own "personality" in a way. As they're worn in they develop little differences, some like to be at 8* BTDC some 10, some 12... timing one 'by ear' isn't the end of the world. With a little experience you'll hear it hit the "sweet spot". Small differences like the way the rings are bedded, the timing chain variances, valve seats, valve lash, dizzy advance variations, carb wear and condition, all those and more contribute to idiosyncratic persona of each individual unit. If it doesn't ping or run on, doesn't get overly hot, pulls well and your butt feels the power it's set well. I'll static time at 8*~10* by choice, check full advance with a light and press on. After a 500 mile break-in I get "picky" and retorque/set lash/check timing/set carbs. Usually by then you have a good idea how it behaves and what it "likes".

Here's th' Zen part: Enjoy th' Journey! :wink:
 
DrEntropy said:
As they're worn in they develop little differences
Click to expand...

Gosh Doc, at first I thought you were talking about me!
happy0148.gif
 
>>Usually by then you have a good idea how it behaves and what it "likes".<<
What my car likes is to be driven, the longer the trip, the better the performance. After a couple of hours of back roads, I have to use two hands to steer it off the road and up my driveway!!
 
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