What is the correct ignition timing?
The ideal ignition timing for power occurs just before the point where detonation or pinging takes place. Correctly timed ignition will cause peak cylinder pressures to occur around 12 to 15 degrees after TDC.
What rpm do you set initial timing at?
Most stock distributors are set to get full mechanical advance at about 4,000 RPM. Brand new MSD distributors come with ridiculously stiff springs in them that don’t see full advance until upwards of 4,500 – 5,000 RPM. You want all of your advance in at about 2,400 RPM.
How much initial timing is too much?
It depends on how much mechanical advance is in the distributor that you are using. If your initial is at least 12* after adjusting your total to 34*, I’d say you are in good shape.
Where is the harmonic balancer in an engine?
The crankshaft harmonic balancer is a device connected to the front of an engine’s crankshaft, usually built into the crankshaft pulley.
What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft harmonic balancer?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer. 1 1. Engine vibration. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the harmonic balancer is engine vibration. The harmonic balancer is 2 2. Misaligned timing marks. 3 3. Separated harmonic balancer.
When do you change ignition base idle timing?
Typically, when your car comes from the manufacturer, ignition base idle timing is set to a manufacture specification before top dead center. The timing advances as the engine’s speed accelerates, however, resulting in a variable that will need to be periodically adjusted using a timing light.
What’s the best way to adjust cylinder timing?
Community Answer. Set the first cylinder to top dead center on the compression stroke. Set the distributor to fire at the top (this is considered 0 degrees advance/retarded). If you want to advance/retard timing, turn the crank an angle amount equal to what you want, or place a timing tape and use a timing light.