[bigguy]

Hello,

Someone recently posted a method of timing a gasser using a timing light.
Can't find the link!
can you repost please or link me up?

thx in advance!

[treecutter]

Well it depends on what kind of ignition you have but here are the basics: The first thing will be to determine where top dead centre of the piston is. This can be done by either removing the spark plug and sighting when the piston reaches the top of its stroke or by sticking something in the hole and looking for the furthest out position of the stick etc. Mark this spot on the flywheel with some white chaulk or something like that. Then using a protractor mark positions on the flywheel in 5 degrees increments up to 30 before and after TDC. The timing light clip will attach to the spark plug lead. You will need a 12v battery to power the light itself, use either your field box or your car battery. Now start the engine, and point the light at your marks, you should see a flash illuminating one of your marks, or close to one of them. To adjust the timing you will have to move either the hall sensor, if it is electronic ignition, or the magneto. You will have to be carefull to maintain the proper gap between the mag and the flywheel or the pickup and the magnet when you move them. I use a business card to gap these. Thats about it, let me know if I missed something.

[bigguy]

I think you nailed it!

Thx

[treecutter]

NP

[Vulcan1]

Treecutter,
You nailed it but I could add one more. When finding TDC rotate the crank from the left and mark then reverse and go the other side. You will find a differance between the 2 from the movement over the top. Just divide the 2 points and mark as you mentioned. That will get you very close as going from one side leaves an error of about 10 deg.
John

[flysrcs]

Man, you guys are brave. You use a timing light while the engine is running
(sorry I just finished watching Dumb and Dumber and I could feel my IQ dropping then I read this post and a mental picture came to be. A person with a timing light trying to set their engine.) :P
just my ill atemp at some humor
Dave

[bigguy]

You wouldn't set it till after the engine's off.

You are just making sure your not to advanced or engine damage can occur. I know of someone who broke a crank pin that way.

[Vulcan1]

If you know where tdc is on the engine, mark a stationary spot before running(corner of the coil) or some other location. Then mark your flywheel in degrees with a felt marker and number the degrees you then can see it with the light. Shut down and adjust and try again. You probably will be close after the first go. What ever you do keep the cables and everything else clear of the prop. My timing light has a capacitive pick up and cables are fairly long (6') so I don't for see a proplem unless the engine is not anchored.
John