Editing Timing (section)

==Advancing the timing==


To advance your timing, you will need a timing gun and a size 10 spanner.

'''1:''' Drive or idle the car until it is at it's normal operating temperature (when the temp guage is at half way, or when it is at it's regular position while you drive). Then turn it off.

'''2:''' Connect the positive and negative clamps of the timing gun onto the corresponding positive and negative terminals of the battery.

'''3:''' Connect the 3rd clamp, the plastic one, onto lead number 1. (Look on the distributor cap if you're unsure which leads are what numbers. Number 1 is the closest to you, while you're standing in-front of the car)

'''4:''' Start the car and allow it to idle.

'''5:''' Point the timing gun down towards the belts between the radiator fan and the engine block and press the trigger.

'''6:''' You should see 7 white marks appear on the belt closest to the engine block (or 1 orange mark and 6 white marks). Also, if you look hard enough, you will see a groove / mark in the engine block.

'''7:''' Standing in-front of the car, looking over the radiator, each mark means the following when lined up with the groove / mark on the engine block -


         <nowiki>    | TDC    | 5    | 10     | 15      | 20     | 25      | 30 BTDC

            The timing should be at  ^  That mark. 15 BTDC.</nowiki>

'''8:''' Loosen the bolt holding the distributor in position with the size 10 spanner, but not too much, only enough to allow it to be steadily moved.

'''9:''' Gently move the distributor, either way. Have the timing gun turned on and pointing at the belts again while you do this. You will see the 7 marking move also, and the car's revs will rise or drop depending on which way you are moving the distributor.

'''10:''' Line the 5th mark, (the one above labeled "20") up with the groove / mark on the engine block.

            <nowiki> | TDC    | 5    | 10     | 15      | 20     | 25      | 30 BTDC

       So that the mark on the engine block is ^ Here.</nowiki>

'''11:''' Very gently tighten the distributor bolt back up, and make sure you do not move it at all while tightening the bolt.

'''12:''' Point the timing gun at the belt again, to make sure the 5th line (20) is still aligned with the engine block mark.

'''13:''' Turn the car off, remove the timing gun clamps and shut the bonnet.

Now take the car for a test run..

If the engine "pings" (creates an usual loud sound that sounds like sand or gravel falling onto metal, or like wire tapping on a metal drain) under load and at high revs (like when you drop back a gear), then you should either take the timing back more towards the 4th mark (15) or run the car on premium unleaded fuel.

You can adjust the timing to where-ever suits you, just repeat the above steps. Always take the car for a test run afterwards, and make sure that it operates well while ilding, instant accelleration taking off from an idling position and runing at high revs and under load (such as driving up a steep hill).

If you are concerned or not happy with any results, then return the timing to the 4th mark (15 BTDC).