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TR6 TR6 Timing Adjustment

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Shawn

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I'm trying to set the timing on my '76 TR6 and need to make certain I'm setting it correctly. The manual says I should align the timing cover pointer to the scale on the crankshaft pulley at 10 degrees ATDC. It appears that if I'm looking at the crankshaft pulley from the front I should be aligning to the 10 degree mark on the right side of the scale from the center mark. Is that right? The scale probably shows this clearly but my eyes aren't as good as they were when I was 20...

Also, should the timing be accomplished by rotating the distributor or by adjusting the micrometer adjustment nut mentioned in the shop manual.
 
Since the engine rotates clockwise as viewed from the front, the advanced marks would be clockwise (to the right) & the retard marks CCW (to the left). This is true if the graduated marks are on the pulley with a single mark pointer.

If there is a single mark on the pulley & graduated marks on the pointer, everything is reversed (retarded is CW or to the right.

Those who only have digital clocks will have a bit of a problem with this description. What happens when there are no more analog clocks? Will we need to have some sort of rotation direction indicator for a standard?

The micrometer adjustment only has a few degrees of range so it's probably best to center the micrometer & turn the distributor to set timing. After it is close, use the micrometer for fine adjustment.
D
 
Shawn--Check your distributor; I don't think you'll have the micrometer adjustment (that only appeared on the earliest TR's). Dave's explanation is entirely correct. I would add that the longest hash mark on the pulley is TDC. To advance, the TDC mark should always be to the RIGHT of the pointer (when viewed from the side of the car). Conversely, a retarded condition is when the TDC mark is to the LEFT of the pointer.

As far as the timing figure to use, don't read the manuals. On my 72 TR6, I dynamically set the timing with a strobe for 8 degrees BTDC at idle. It's best to set the timing by the "seat of the pants" just this side of pinging by road test (low gear, up a grade to labor the engine).
 
Shawn,
If you want to keep the timing to factory specs, then you will set ATDC. However, you will get better performance if you throw out the manuel and set your timing without the vacumn advance. i.e., you will be setting to centrifugal advance and everything will be BFTDC. 8 degrees is usually about right. Just plug the vacumn hose to the distributor at the intake and close off the vacumn bellows on the distributor (for looks). Vacumn advance is just a pollution thing. Too, NEVER set your points without a dwell meter. About 35 I think. Now, my TR6 is a 73. Not sure what the 76 needs to run with all those pollution hoses running everywhere. Mine has nothing on it.



Bill
 
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