Distributor install

[moggyman64]

Hi All,

I dont think that I am getting full advance at high RPM from 2000 twin cam. It is only approx 25 degs. Previously when installing the distributor I set the crank at TDC on compression with the rotor pointing at #4 on the cap, then when the engine starts I turn the distributor to achieve 10* BTDC. Is this correct because if I turn the distributor to much to achieve 10* BTDC am I reducing the amount the advance can move.

The reason I ask is because the engine is bottoming out at 80 mph. I have been looking at Marks video for his distributorless ignition conversion and in that he says that prior to removing the old distributor the crank should be set at approx the correct static advance ( mine being 10* BTDC). I have also heard this said on the MSD ignition site.

If I do this and then drop in my dristibutor do I set the rotor to line up with #1 or #4. Then If I switch on the ignition and connect the timing light with the trigger pulled and rotate the engine until the light flashes then lock down the distributor. Is this the correct way to do it to allow the distributor to achieve the max advance. Am I correct in thinking that the correct advance should be in the region of 35* at 6000 rpm

Regards

Keith

[vandor]

Is it 25 including the 10 degrees initial, or on top of that. Basically what is the totals advance at 3500 rpm?
By that point you should have max advance.

[So Cal Mark]

you should have max advance at 3200-3500 rpm. You don't need to rev it to 6k unloaded! Are you using a light with an advance reading? If not, measure around the crank pulley and mark the spot of advance you want. Then you can use a regular timing light to see if you're in the ballpark

[moggyman64]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies,

I marked the crank pully with a mark reading 35* but when I run the engine at 3500 (I said 6000 which was an error) the mark is showing at approx 25* including the 10* static. I am using a light without advance reading.
As previously advised in a different post I checked cam timing and it is ok, the valve clearance is good. I have replaced the coil, distributor cap, rotor arm, plugs NGK BP6RES and new HT leads. The carb was checked for blockage etc. and all appears to be fine, all jets etc are as spec.

Do I time the engine with compression in #1 and rotor pointing to #1 or I have read on another forum that TC's should be timed on #4, which is correct?

Regards

Keith

[So Cal Mark]

you can set ignition timing on 1 or 4, it doesn't matter. Does your dist have a vacuum advance?

[moggyman64]

Hi Mark,

My distributor has centrifugal advance.

What should I do about setting the distributor? do I set the crank to 10* BTDC and drop it in and set the rotor or do I set the crank to TDC and drop it in, set the rotor and rotate the distributor to achieve 10*BTDC? Which way is correct?

keith

[So Cal Mark]

the normal procedure would be to put the motor at tdc, then install the distributor

[moggyman64]

Thanks mark, I will reset the distributor and see how it runs,

keith

[ylbill]

I'm going to be replacing the seal on my distributor. Is it necessary to do the timing after replacing the seal? Thanks

Sorry, this was meant to be a new post.

[vandor]

Yes.