Timing question

[5.slow94]

Forgive my ignorance if this question sounds a little dumb but I was trying to bump the timing on my car yesterday and When I went to check what the base timing was set at it was reading 3 degrees btc, I thought these cars were set at 10 btc from the factory so I was afraid to make any adjustment without knowing for sure but is this not normal? And yes the spout was out when I checked it. And the previous owner had put an msd dizzy in so I'm wondering if he just put it in off a few teeth but I'd just like to get some opinions being this is my first dizzy motor.

thanks

 

[CC'S95GT]

yes. 10*btdc is stock. I don't know how it's even running at 3*. I'm running 12*.

 

[5.slow94]

I don't know perhaps I'm reading it wrong it's read 3 dashes to the right from tdc

 

[RichV]

You are using a timing light right? You need to mark the 10* with something on the balancer, then it will be easy to spot. One tooth is about 10* adjustment IIRC, but you'll only have to move it a touch to get back to 10*.

Believe it or not, I ran at 0* for about a year, so it will definitely run. But you're leaving about 15HP and 10Ft/Lbs on the table.

 

[wildman97]

This might help.

 

[5.slow94]

Yeah I have the 0 and 10 marked just to verify, and yes I'm using a light now that I know it can run there perhaps the previous owner(who didn't do anything right on the car) just through the dizzy in and didn't time it at all when he put the msd in, I'll try bumping it up later today, I just didn't want to try and mess something up.

 

[toyman]

Make certain that the HB is intact. Check for any signs of rubber protruding on the engine side of the HB or any wobble. Spun HB's are a common failure and the readings are bogus if that has happened.

 

[5.slow94]

I'll have to look at it better because my timing adjustments last night were a failure, the car was pinging at anything above what it was already set at which is very peculiar seeing as how 10 btc is supposed to be the stock setting and it still pings at that

 

[5.slow94]

marked in red is where my car is running at right now with no issue

 

[wildman97]

You may need to check if the dizzy was stabbed right.
Pull Spark Plug #1, rotate engine using rachet. Put your thumb over the spark plug hole, when pressure pushes your finger off the hole, you have the compression stroke of the engine, that is what you want. Then stop and look at the balancer, it will be nearing -0-, turn the engine to -0-. that should be TDC, The rotor should point directly at the #1 plug terminal on the cap. At this point your motor is at TDC. If your rotor isn't pointing at the #1 plug then re stab your dizzy. Also, what cam is in it? and was it degreed? I'm don't know much about degreed cams but that might change what timing you can run.

 

[5.slow94]

I'll try that out that's a good idea, the motor hasn't been opened so it's still running the stock cam, I also think the dizzy is just in wrong, it's amazing how stupid supposed techs are now a days

 

[toyman]

You may need to check if the dizzy was stabbed right.
Pull Spark Plug #1, rotate engine using rachet. Put your thumb over the spark plug hole, when pressure pushes your finger off the hole, you have the compression stroke of the engine, that is what you want. Then stop and look at the balancer, it will be nearing -0-, turn the engine to -0-. that should be TDC, The rotor should point directly at the #1 plug terminal on the cap. At this point your motor is at TDC. If your rotor isn't pointing at the #1 plug then re stab your dizzy. Also, what cam is in it? and was it degreed? I'm don't know much about degreed cams but that might change what timing you can run.

Your suggestion to confirm the TDC is valid and can also be used to ensure the HB hasn't spun. One just needs to physically ensure the piston is at the absolute top of it's stroke. Assuming the HB is good to get to 10* BTDC the distributor will need to be rotated clockwise 10*.

 

[5.slow94]

i agree, ill be sure to make sure the HB is in proper orientation as well. thanks!

 

[99GreenStang]

I agree check that your rotor is pointing at #1 as stated and that its on compression stroke all that jazz that was mentioned above . Doesnt have anything to do with having camshaft degreed at all . get her figured out my friend good luck!