01-06-2021, 08:20 AM
Hi again
If you are timing by looking at the spark (preferably use a spare plug) at effectively zero RPM then you should be setting the static timing i.e. at minimum advance. The 20 degrees is at MAXIMUM advance (3500 RPM plus). For static timing a figure more like 4 degrees is appropriate.
Beware of an error in some Austin handbooks which carried over the timing settings for manually adjusted distributors into the automatic advance era.
If you have a strobe and can put some accurate marks on the camshaft pulley, then the advance can be checked out with the engine running.
If you are timing by looking at the spark (preferably use a spare plug) at effectively zero RPM then you should be setting the static timing i.e. at minimum advance. The 20 degrees is at MAXIMUM advance (3500 RPM plus). For static timing a figure more like 4 degrees is appropriate.
Beware of an error in some Austin handbooks which carried over the timing settings for manually adjusted distributors into the automatic advance era.
If you have a strobe and can put some accurate marks on the camshaft pulley, then the advance can be checked out with the engine running.