Re: Setting Static ignition timing?

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@domain.elided>]

Hi Kevin:

When my still Spider had points, I'd use an ohmmeter.  I would unplug from 
the coil, the black wire that runs to the distributor, and connect that to 
one of the ohmmeter leads.  Ground the other meter lead.  Turn the disty 
body CCW until the meter just changes to max (infinity) ohms from zero ohms 
(mine had an audible tone, so it was super easy).  That's when the points 
just begin to open, and that's when the sparkplug will fire.

You can even do this without any meter or test light.  Disconnect the 
high-tension wire from the center of the distributor cap and place the end 
close to a good ground (like the cam cover).  With the ignition on, turn 
the disty CCW and watch/listen for the spark.  This works with the disty 
cap on or off.  This method is what I use with my optical breakerless ignition.

BTW, if your Spica Spider is one of those years where the timing is 
supposed to be set retarded several degrees from TDC, forget that, and try 
just a few degrees of advance.  Of course, after static timing, it's best 
to verify and fine tune with a timing light.

Regards,

Dean W. Cains
Lutz, FL
'74 Spider Veloce


At 04:38 PM 7/27/2002, you wrote:

> Date: Sat, 27 Jul 2002 11:54:33 -0400
> From: Kevin Trent <trentkc@domain.elided>
> Subject: Setting Static ignition timing?
>
> I'm trying to start a spica injected 2L that has not run for 6-8
> years.  I'll spare you the details in getting to this point, but now have a
> situation where I have to start from scratch on setting the ignition
> timing, because the distributor has been swapped out.
>
> My Autobook #724 describes the following procedure (after setting the crank
> to the timing pointer on the compression stroke and installing a test lamp
> in parallel with the contact points):
>
> "Switch on the ignition and turn the distributor body in an ANTICLOCKWISE
> direction until the test lamp goes out.  Now turn the distributor back very
> slowly until the lamp lights, which indicates that the points are just
> opening.  Carefully tighten..."
>
> My book has a handwritten note next to the text above that says "WRONG -
> turn distributor body clockwise".  I vaguely remember writing that note a
> long time ago when performing the same task.
>
> Can someone out there validate the correct direction to turn the
> distributor body?  I'm interpreting the turning of the distributor body in
> relation to the engine block - left is anticlockwise, right is clockwise.
>
> Thanks,  //KCT, Powell TN
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