Timing with a light?

[brian.b]

I was just wondering ....im trying to set my timing with a light and was wanting to know what the timing sets at

[joefrazer]

Four degrees before top dead center.

[dpledger]

Remember that the 4 BDC is for the nominal idle speed of 450 or so, depending on type of xmission. Higher idle speeds result in the timing being advanced, so setting on that basis will result in a retardation. Need to have a tach in action when checking.

[rialto]

Make sure your points are set properly first. Changing the points setting will change timing. Opening the points wider will advance timing and narrowing the gap will retard timing. Best to check it with a dwell meter. You can test your vacuum advance by unhooking the line at the carburetor. Suck on the line ,you should feel some  resistance when sucking. Do this with the engine running and it should speed up. You should be able to read the difference with the timing light.

[brian.b]

Thanks guys

[brian.b]

Hey guys are the timing marks on the balancer....i cant see them but it is rusty

[dpledger]

Yes, on the balancer. They are engraved, so cleaning up should reveal them. In actual timing, you will have to put some shiny white/silver paint on the 4Btdc mark, as you will never see it otherwise.

[brian.b]

Thanks man