Static timing

[LEN_LEEB@domain.elided]

     Simon gave a great description of setting up the timing on the old 
     Giulietta, and then wrote:
     
     You can static time the car with a 12V continuity tester (AKA bulb on
     a wire). Connect one end to ground, and the other to the coil -. Set
     the motor at the static timing mark (F) and turn on the ignition.
     Rotate the disty until the light just comes on. Make sure you rotate
     the disty rotor backwards first to take up any slack. You should also
     set the point gap first. After the car is running, you can check the
     dwell, and use a timing light to set the max advance to the M mark.
     
     I disagree slightly, maybe its a matter of semantics, but when static 
     timing, if the distributor's rotor is turning in the forward 
     direction, the timing point is when the light just goes OUT. (If 
     rotating in the reverse drection, it would be when the light just 
     comes on.)
     The reason for the light going out, is that the coil is energized by 
     the current thru it, but makes its big voltage spike when the contacts 
     open, and the rapid disintegration of the magnetic field across all 
     the coil wires creates a large voltage for ignition.
     Good luck on the restoration!
     Len

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