any way to set the timing statically on my 71 engine?

[skymath]

Hey guys,

according to the idiot book, my timing should be set with the engine running, using a timing light, to 5 degrees ATDC.  but I don't have a timing light and I've offended my friends that do  :icon_pale:

is there a way to statically set the timing like can be done for those without a vacuum retard?   S@Sm

many thanks from me and my  bus))

I usually don't use icons.    :icon_cheesygrin:

..sky

[njgt-1]

Sky,

you can get a cheap timing light at Harbor Freight, its a tool that is worth having since you will be using it quite a bit. Consider picking one up and they are not hard to use.

[6T5 square]

In the idiot manual they explain how to do static timing (look in the index)

You can get a cheap test light at any auto store for less than $7

[lovebus (jack)]

Take the cap off your dist. and turn the engine by hand till your on #-1.

loosen the clamp on the dist. a little so you can turn it by hand.

With the key on;

You take the test light and clip it to the points side of the coil and ground the point on the test light.

Turn the dist. clockwixe a little till your points are closed.

Turn the dist. counter clockwise till the light comes on in the test light. Tighten the dist clamp and your done. disconect the test light and put the cap back on.

[skymath]

by test light you mean a circuit test light?  the kind that comes on when there's voltage running through, not a timing light, right?  because I actually have a multimeter that I could use for that

but I don't understand: how do I know that it's the right angle or whatever? 

thank you!  Sky

ps I know the idiot book mentions it but it says that for the 71 you have to set it with the light with the thing running, because of the retard function.  I didn't know if there was some special procedure for doing it some fancy way that took that into account.  but I trust Jack's method since when he did my timing before it seemed to work :)

[skymath]

oh but I forgot: I bought an electronic ignition module.  ...so, no points....  what then?

[dawelder]

Skip it all.

[njgt-1]

oh but I forgot: I bought an electronic ignition module.  ...so, no points....  what then?

Use a timing light not a test light. If its a pertronix you may burn out the module if you leave the ignition on for any length of time.

[skymath]

well i haven't installed it yet so maybe i'll try setting the timing as jack described with the points and wait until I have access to a timing light to worry about the pertronix.  my dad said he ought to have a timing light somewhere in the basement

[Baha (Shawn)]

Here's the worlds cheapest static timing light (also works as a test light). A 12v light & 2 alligator clips. Radio Shack...$3

[Beetleboi -Greg-]

Hey that's my test light!!! It's great. I would wait till you put the module in, you might have to re-time it. If Jack set it once, and you didn't touch it, it should be ok.  What makes you think it needs to be re timed? If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[skymath]

well my engine's been backfiring when I let off the gas to switch to a higher gear.  sometimes it's just one pop but sometimes it's a series of pops.  i know I have an exhaust leak but everyone suggested it's probably in need of a tune-up.  I drive an awful lot--80-100 miles a day five days a week.  I didn't drive him for about the last two months though.

also he's got sufficiently little torque at low (below about 2500) rpm that he starts bucking and wanting to stall.  basically to even get started I have to rev high and slip the clutch ...if I'm not revved high he'll just stall.

..sky