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MG TD TF 1500 - TF ignition timing

Ok, I have timed a lot of engines either by ear or with the conventional type timing light.
Distributor has arrived back from Jeff and is in the car, engine running sweet however I need to time it with the re set distributor, I have an adjustable advance timing light, advance control buttons for up and down and a rev button, also has a read out screen, so what do I do, connect timing light up to battery and number one lead, then what.
No timing advice arrived with the distributor

Need uncomplicated assistance please

Thanks

george
G Mills

Not knowing which light you have, you should be able to dial in 32-36 degrees as a total advance on the light at a set rpm (say 3000-3500rpm). Run the engine up to that rpm and then set your crankshaft timing marks together and lock it down. recheck the timing at rpm and if all is lined up you should be done. Total timing and it's rpm setting is going to depend on a number of factors, compression, camshaft, carburation, altitude, octane of your fuel load, humidity, distributor type and advance mechanism springs/weights etc. I believe those running fairly stock motors are in the 32 degree range.

Jeff should be able to provide the total built in advance on and related specs for your distributor. Though he hasn't received my stock distributor yet I here his reputation is outstanding. Call him first to get his spec sheet if you don't already have one for your unit then you'll have her purring like a kitten in no time

Regards

Bill Chasser Jr
TD4834
W. A. Chasser Jr

Thanks a lot Bill I have a Innova 3568 timing light.when you say set the timing marks is that, the as is TDC mark and the pointer. So you get the marks together by (1) setting the advance and revs on the light take revs up then turn the distributor until the marks line up.

regards

george
G Mills

That is correct the advance you build into the light will then show as the TDC marks on the crank pulley and pointer at your selected rpm setting if it is off then simply adjust the distributor at the rom selected til the marks line up and lock down the distributor. Run the rpm up again with the light and double check that the marks are still aligned. Then your total advance is set. Your idle timing will likely be somewhere between 6-12 degrees initial. This too you can check via the light at idle by setting the rpm on the light and adjusting the advance on the screen to verify where the marks align on the light kind of the reverse of the total procedure I have to go out and buy an advance timer to set mine up as well. Timing lights have come a long way since the simple strobe light

Bill Chasser jr
TD4834
W. A. Chasser Jr

Thank you so much Bill you have set it out perfectly for me, I see on the bag the distributor was in that Jeff had written a note 12 - 15 degrees at Idle (missed it before).
Car is now purrrrring.

Bill I wish you all the best in your recovery , main thing is, as most have said just take it easy for awhile.

Best wishes

George
G Mills

Glad to be of some help anyway. Now if I can just get those H-4s to dial in on mine, I can hear mine purr as well.

Safety Fast George!

Cheers

Bill Chasser jr
TD4834
W. A. Chasser Jr

This thread was discussed on 14/07/2015

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