timing by ear

picassomcp · Aug 9, 2012

I have heard many people mention that they can time an engine by ear. I have timed several engines without a timing light, I just adjust until throttle response is good, engine sounds even, and it restarts well. I doubt they are really timed right on the money. I don't really pay much attention with my ears other than the obvious. Is there a sound that I should listen for? Could you please explain a bit how this is done? Thanks!

old · Aug 9, 2012

Timing by ear is more or less just a term used to time on by the way it runs and feels etc. Been doing it for decades and you learn how to time one based on how well it runs. I do it on the older car/truck engines and have done so to get good MPG and also to have them pull well. The older the engine the less likely they will meet factory spec as to timing and if they have a timing chain that is even more true due to the fact a chain stretches over time

David G · Aug 9, 2012

I run it at full throttle, advance distributor to maximum RPM, then more until RPM drops, then back it off until max RPM, then drops off.

I then set it in the middle.

Works for me.

oldtanker · Aug 10, 2012

Before anytimeing adjustments are made the engine should have a tune up!

Actually on older engine with vacuum advance the timing will not be right with a light before the engine is broke in or after the engine is worn enough to have lower vacuum levels. Worn timing chain makes the problem worse. Best cheap way to time em is hook up a vac gauge, advance the timimg until max vac is achieved and back it off 2" (LBS to people that don't know that vac is measured in "). On newer computer controlled engines get it close and the computer takes it from there.

On mechanical advance if anything is worn, timing chain, springs, weights or pivot pins you are not going to get it right with a light.

I can't begin to count the number of timing adjustments I've had to make to get peoples cars run right that they timed by ear!

Rick

John T · Aug 10, 2012

Like many "old farmers" or "shadetree mechanics" I have timed by ear now n then and heres what I think.

A lot of folks tend to have the timing too darn fast if by ear, cuz they advance it too far since it sounds smoother n quiter and a bit faster that way HOWEVER its been my experience if you throw a timing light on them after that, youre too fast !!!!!!! Therefore I slowly advance it till she say stops popping and speeds up and gets fairly quiet BUT THEN I RETARD IT JUST TO WHERE SHE SOUNDS A BIT LOADED N A TAD LOUDER AND A TAD SLOWER RUNNING.....

If timed too fast she wants to bump the starter (kickback as it fires too much before TDC) but if too slow she cranks faster but dont start as well...

Thats my experience as a used tractor dealer anyhow, others Im sure have different methods USE A LIGHT FOR BEST RESULTS

John T

JRSutton · Aug 10, 2012

Just a word of caution - make sure when you're done timing it that it's sparking AT or right after TDC when you're starting it.

Otherwise it can kick back when starting - which can be real bad for you starter and a lot worse for your arm bones should you ever have to hand crank it.

timing by ear

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picassomcp

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