timing

[sujitroy]

I just got my timing light out and noticed the timing is about I would say 11 degrees before TDC and not 12. If adjusting the timing on the Stag, and I can't get it spot on, would it be better to have it around 11 before or 13 before? Because of the radiator hoses, I really can't get my timing gun perpendicular to the timing mark.
The last time I adjusted timing the marking would bounce a lot, but this time, it's quite stable.
Thanks in advance Sujit

[flying farmer]

When I was running more standard engines i often found them better with more advance. IIRC I actually used 16 degrees on my mk 2

Neil

[022Dave]

Neil,

At what BTDC would pinking likely occur? I remember Tony Hart getting quite anxious when my car was on Enginuity's rolling road, although I can't remember what the timing was set to!

Dave

[Phil S]

that will be different for every engine, even more so now with age

[trunt]

Neil,

At what BTDC would pinking likely occur? I remember Tony Hart getting quite anxious when my car was on Enginuity's rolling road, although I can't remember what the timing was set to!

Dave

Detonation.. Been there.. Heres' what happens to your Turbo mini when you trust an Idiot Rolling road Operator who knows sweet F?A about British cars.. Never again.

I did eventually go to forged pistons..

P1010094.JPG

[022Dave]

Detonation.. Been there.. Heres' what happens to your Turbo mini when you trust an Idiot Rolling road Operator who knows sweet F?A about British cars.. Never again.

I did eventually go to forged pistons..

Oh dear; that's not pretty

[MikeParker]

I run mine at about 16 degrees BTDC at 800 rpm. It makes a big difference to economy getting this at an optimum value but do listen out for pinking. Every distributor will have slightly different speed and vacuum advance characteristics and "harmful" pinking will occur at around 1500 rpm plus when both advance mechanisms can have an effect.

Best way to listen out for pinking is with a concrete wall/barrier beside the car (if you don't have a rolling road). So a slight uphill dual carriageway, in the fast lane, window down and with a concrete central reservation barrier to your right. It's amazing what you can hear!

[sujitroy]

Ok. Thx all. I'll adjust it a bit more BTDC.
Sujit

[Johnny boy]

Running on unleaded the timing would be changed?