Basic principle for timing - as far advanced as you can get it (with the fuel you usually use) without the engine pinking (or pinging, as it's called in the US).
Go for a run. With the engine warmed up, floor the accelerator in a high gear with low revs (around 1500-2000rpm). Do you get a somewhat diesely knocking noise? If not, try advancing the timing a little. Repeat test, advance some more, until you do get pinking. Then back the timing off slightly. Using a higher octane fuel will allow you to have more advance, but if you then change to a lower-grade fuel you may start pinking. Modern electronic ignition systems do this in a more clever way. They have a "knock sensor", and will constantly advance the timing until the engine is on the verge of knocking. This way, you can stick any old fuel in a modern car and it will automatically adjust the timing to get the best out of the fuel. Note - this applies to modern engines with complete engine control systems, not to an old Triumph with a Pertronix conversion! Correct timing should help fuel economy, at least a bit. It's also important to get timing right before you start mucking about with carbs. Oh, and before you start fine-tuning your ajustment, check that the system is operating as it should do. Check the points gap. Detach the vacuum tube from the manifold and suck on it, you should see the plate rotate. Smear some vaseline on the distributor cam to lubricate it. Check the condition of the distributor cap (should have no cracks). Check the condition of the spark plugs, check the spark plug gap (you'll need a feeler gauge, I'm afraid I can't remember the correct gap off the top of my head). Borrow or buy (they aren't too expensive) a timing light, use it to get the initial timing setting, and make sure that the timing advances as the revs rise. Hope that helps!! Richard On 25 April 2010 23:32, Ryan <[email protected]> wrote: > With the Spit out and such, I'm getting horrible fuel economy with my DGV. > I even set the fuel pressure regulator to 2.0 lbs. Next step: Adjusting the > timing. > > Is there a good web page, etc to do timing adjustments for dummies? I've > never done it before. If the timing changes doesn't work, I'm considering > switching to an electric fuel pump. > _______________________________________________ > > [email protected] > Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html > Suggested annual donation $11.47 > Archive: http://www.team.net/archive > Forums: http://www.team.net/forums > Unsubscribe/Manage: > http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/[email protected] _______________________________________________ [email protected] Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html Suggested annual donation $11.47 Archive: http://www.team.net/archive Forums: http://www.team.net/forums Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/spitfires/[email protected]
