How do I set timing

[noah4009]

I have a 1971 55HP Chrysler. Model 557HC serial 3188. It is alternator/electric standard igniton. Not magneto. Points and condenser under flywheel. Coil on Port side of block. The Flywheel has 2 marks that run vertical above flywheel teeth. The 2 marks are also 180 degees on the other side of flywheel also. I read manual to set timing, and it gets deep. Is there an easier way to set timimg? Manual says something about lining up of line on flywheel to line/arrow on block. I see no such line or arrow. Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How do I set timing

You did mean two coils on the port side didn't you? The reason for the marks on the flywheel 180 degrees apart is so you can set the dwell of each set of points and balance each coil so that each cylinder fires at the exact same timing advance. A difference of .0015 in point openings equals 1 degree difference between cylinders. I used to think that points on ALL 2 cylinder engines were set to .020 but I seem to remember that some are set differently. Go to The Chrysler Crew and ask there.

SO: Set the top cylinder to top dead center with the throttle fully closed and put a mark on the block at the first line. This will indicate approximately 0 degrees advance. Now put the throttle to full advance and turn the flywheel by hand with the ignition on. When top plug fires, it should be at the second line. If not, adjust the link in or out until it does. Check the timing for the bottom cylinder--it should be the same. If it is off by more than 1 degree, then adjust the point set gap.

That's the best I can offer.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How do I set timing

Noah---scratch that last reply---chalk it up to lack of sleep. When you set the top cylinder to top dead center, you need to wiggle the flywheel to see if the plug is sparking. If it is, then the timing is about 0 degrees. If it does not spark, you must adjust the link in or out until it does.

Chrysler did make a special tool to define top dead center and full advance. This made setting timing way, way easier.

 

[noah4009]

Re: How do I set timing

Frank, I did the ground and I set timimg as per your instructions. I do not know what or where I went wrong, but it still does not start. It back fired and fuel just pours out carb when I turn key. Thanks anyway. I guess I just don't know what the hell I am doing.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How do I set timing

I'm reaching here Noah--I don't know if it would make a difference since I never tried it, BUT did you replace the cam with the correct side up? One side will have an arrow or other mark and that is the side that must face up.

The flooding and the backfireing are two unrelated problems. Backfiring is usually due to timing issues and possible incorrect spark plug wires ie. top on bottom plug

Flooding is due to fuel supply. A flooded engine will not ignite fuel and therefore will not backfire.

What you have is probably some stupid little thing that I am not picking up. I wish I could get my hands on the engine. Sometimes we notice things subconciously that key us. I really hate the fact that your problem is not solved yet

 

[noah4009]

Re: How do I set timing

Hi Frank, I will remove flywheel again, tomorrow. Check the cam. I just don't understand why it wont start. It was running and I did things only to make perform better. Now I did not know the cam had to be put on only one way. I pray that is it. Thank you very much Frank. When I adjusted the spark link I was having trouble with that. It seemed that I could not get it adjusted to close. I had to screw in and ran out of threads, so I pushed tower out to accommodate. So it would spark at high point. Or should it spark at other line?

 

[noah4009]

Re: How do I set timing

I'm reaching here Noah--I don't know if it would make a difference since I never tried it, BUT did you replace the cam with the correct side up? One side will have an arrow or other mark and that is the side that must face up.

Hi Frank, I removed cam and took a good look at it, noticed I had the side with the arrow on the bottom. I also noticed if you turn the cam upside down that the edge gets narrow the opposite way. When upside down and it fires the drop is immediate on cam. Right side up, the drop, after firing is gradual. I new then you did it again. Problem solved. Start right up. Thank you thank you thank you.