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TR2/3/3A Using a timing light for setting TR3 Timing

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sammy

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Before you set me straight, I do know that the timing on a TR3 should be set without the engine running. My question is, couldn't someone set the timing using the static method, then start up the engine and use a timing light to determine where the timing mark winds up? This position could be used to set the timing in the future with the engine running.

Has anyone done this? If so, when should the initial setting be? Using an adjustable timing light would give the exact setting.

Am I wrong on this?

Sam
 
Either way works. Static to get a starting point, then light to refine. ISTR that if idle is too high, light will not read the static setting correctly due to advance weights beginning to do their thing. You can rev the engine and use the light to determine total advance. Disconnect the vac advance to read only the mechanical advance.....reconnect the vac to get the added advance.

Watch out for the fan hitting your light or fingers.
 
Seems possible to me - set per the manual then once it is running well get a benchmark using a timing light. That reference could then be used later for setting directly with the light -- provided you have exactly the same RPM next time.

Hardly worth the trouble though since the static timing is so easy and can be done irrespective of engine temp, air temp, oil weight, carb adjustment etc - IOW all the other things that could affect running RPM and timing.

The timing light is very useful for seeing total advance though.
 
:iagree:
As Geo says, hardly worth the effort. Also, if you are using the original distributor, once the static timing is set per the factory procedure, adjustments can be made with the knurled nut on the distributor. No matter how much you play with it to obtain "perfect" performance from you particular engine, you can always go back to square one with the turn of the knob.
 
What they said - I do like having a timing light with the advance feature to check things though. Gives a nice confirmation of everything, also you can roughly check on advance characteristics vs RPM.
 
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