Timing procedure question

[scotiany]

Trying to time my old Chrysler without benefit of their special timing tool. Like to know if my theory sounds right. The timing is supposed to be 28 d BTDC. The stroke of piston is 2.8 in. The engine moves 180 deg on compression stroke. So, I divide 2.8 by 180 and get .01555. Subtract 28 from 180 and get 152. Multiply 152 by .0155 and get 2.364. Does the 2.364 sound like the right dimension to use. I do have a 6" digital caliper to stick in the spark plug hole and I have the flywheel off. Oh yes, it's points and magneto ignition.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Timing procedure question

I don't know your engine, but that won't work. The piston moves sinusoidally (sp!) and the exact movement to 28d would depend on the center to center connecting rod length, as well as the stroke. Why not simply find TDC, mark the flywheel against a block reference point (like a bit of wire held by a block bolt mabey), and mark 28d off TDC on the flywheel?

 

[12Footer]

Re: Timing procedure question

Any timing light triggered from the engine's spark will werk. I hate those "special" tool numbers they try to get you to buy in the manuals! It does nothing but confuse us at a very vulnerable time (in the middle of some repair, usually). I think it's criminal of them!<br />Anyhoo, not to get off topic, any timing ligt will suffice hooked to plug number one.

 

[clanton]

Re: Timing procedure question

The tool is used to only verify the top dead center mark on the block if it is adjustable, which most are. You could probley take a long reach sparkplug, break the 2 electrodes off and use as a piston stop. Anything that will lock the piston a few degrees before and after top dead center.

 

[scotiany]

Re: Timing procedure question

Thanks for information. I'm going to get a 360 degree protractor and mark the flywheel from it. I've got a digital caliper so I think that should do it. As for timing, is it safer to retard the timing a little bit. The manual says 32, but I was thinking of going to 28.