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Help, Timing

P

pat sublett

Well-known Member
If a 4 cylinder engine runs counter clockwise and the distributer is on the right side, which way do I turn the distributer to retard the timing
 
Note which direction the distributor rotor rotates and turn the distributor in the same direction to retard timing.
 
You need to know what way the distributor turns, let's assume it turns clockwise look it the top of the distributor if you turn it COUNTERCLOCKWISE it will fire earlier so you have advanced it (think about it the points open earlier and the rotor meets the distributor post sooner). If you turn it CLOCKWISE it will fire later so you have retarded it. Remember when you twist the distributor you're moving the body and the cap, the shaft and rotor stays in the same position in relationship to the cam.
 
Hello pat sublett,

You can use a vacuum gauge. Vacuum goes up when you advance the timing, and goes down when you retard it. Set the engine about 1000 R.P.M.s and turn the distributor. Max vacuum = max power. Minimum vacuum = max econom. Happy medium is in between both high and low readings,

Guido.
 
Remove distributer cap. View rotor while turning engine over. To retard spark, turn distributer body the same direction the rotor and shaft turns. Be careful. Minor adjustment can be alot. To advance the spark, turn opposite direction the rotor turns. When ever making timing adjustments, its wise to use a timing light and timing marks whenever possible.
 
(quoted from post at 18:11:39 03/29/17) Curious to know what gasoline engine runs counterclockwise?
Click to expand...
ne of the two engines on a P-38. It also depends on which end of the engine that is being observed. :D
 
Getting a little off topic from the original subject, but certain Honda 4 cylinder engines run counterclockwise, made before 2000?. Most engines can break the front pulley lose using a breaker-bar and the starter. On this Honda engine, this method would tighten the crankshaft bolt.
 
Boat motors when twin engines one runs ccw. the other runs cw. to counter twin screw side slip.
 
Remember AAR- advance against rotation. The mag or distributor is turned into or against the rotation of the rotor to advance in all cases.
 
(quoted from post at 13:52:39 03/29/17) Hello pat sublett,

You can use a vacuum gauge. Vacuum goes up when you advance the timing, and goes down when you retard it. Set the engine about 1000 R.P.M.s and turn the distributor. Max vacuum = max power. Minimum vacuum = max econom. Happy medium is in between both high and low readings,

Guido.
Click to expand...

I was told years ago by a then old mechanic reach max vacuum and then retard it by 2 inches to achieve the best balance between economy and power. It worked for me for many years.

Funny timing....pun intended....but I set the timing late yesterday on my SIL's Farmall 706 gasser. I used a timing light though.

Yes, agree with everyone, turning the body in the opposite direction of rotation advances the timing and in the same direction of rotation retards it. Just have to know which way it rotates.

Rick
 
Hello oldtanker,


Using vacuum to set engine timing is called power tuning. Now you know! Another old timer🔧
Read my other answer on this post,


Guido.
 
(quoted from post at 16:01:20 03/30/17) Hello oldtanker,


Using vacuum to set engine timing is called power tuning. Now you know! Another old timer????
Read my other answer on this post,


Guido.
Click to expand...

I did and in fact quoted you......

Rick
 
(quoted from post at 16:01:20 03/30/17) Hello oldtanker,


Using vacuum to set engine timing is called power tuning. Now you know! Another old timer????
Read my other answer on this post,


Guido.
Click to expand...

I did and in fact quoted you......

Rick
 
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