Ignition question

[Bren]

I have adjusted the timing on the sd1 - sometimes it was a bit difficult to turn over, as if the ignition was too far advanced.

 

I set it up to 8* BTDC and it seemed ok - however, the timing mark on the pulley kept moving.

 

Faulty number 1 lead? That's all i can think of - if it was the dizzy i would be surprised as they usually just die.

 

Thoughts?

[Richard]

Something to do with the vacuum advance?

[Bren]

It was disconnected while i timed it up.

[tooSavvy]

Hmm.... broken springs on the bobweights...or knakked, anyhow??

 

TS

[Bren]

Could be.

 

I suspected lead but sometimes there is a slight "pop" when the engine is running.

[red5]

Take (distributor) cap off, give base plate (where points/ignition pick-up are) a gentle rotating movement. It should have a small but noticeable resistance. If not, probably weights/springs worn.

[Bren]

Take (distributor) cap off, give base plate (where points/ignition pick-up are) a gentle rotating movement. It should have a small but noticeable resistance. If not, probably weights/springs worn.

I had a suck on the pipe the goes to the vacuum unit - i can see the mechanism move when i suck.

 

I also moved no.1 lead away from the king lead as it was next to it on the comb. The ignition system is quite powerful on these (electronic) i had considered a spike from the king lead may not help.

[Asimo]

I assume you are timing it with a strobe light thing triggered from the lead or plug no1.

Repeat the exercise triggering from plug / lead that is fifth in the firing order ie one full rev of the crank different. If that strobes steadily then there is a no1 problem, if they are both moving then keep looking. Good luck!

[Taff]

any wear in the dizzy shaft?

[Junkman]

Can you swap No. 1 and 3 leads?

[Bren]

I will give swapping the leads a whirl.

 

And yes, i used a strobe.

[hauserplenty]

If none of the above works, 'ave a butchers at the timing chain/belt. Plumbing up a vacuum gauge to the manifold will tell you if you need to look at the valves too. I'm guessing it's a problem in the top end, or the timing chain/belt has jumped a tooth. Or both...