Ignition Timing

[philt1234]

Hi there

What is the most reliable method of setting up the timing.
I have tried the only method I know which is set the points to just be opening with the rotor at No1 cylinder and the crank at TDC. All I want is it to fire up then I can fine tune later.
Just want to see it run

Cheers

Phil

 

[Squashed Nose]

That's all I did to be honest.

My car hadn't run for a couple of years so I put in new oil, coolant, plugs, points, rotor arm and air filters. I didn't have the manual at the time so I didn't know the points gap (14-16 thou) or the plug gaps (still haven't looked) so I guessed. I set the points at 20 thou with no. 1 at TDC, bunged the plugs in as I bought them, put some engine oil in the SUs dampers (supposed to be SAE 20), connected the battery and Robert was my mother's brother.

And it purrs like a kitten.

As you say, it's probably best to get it running first and then fine tune later with a strobe or whatever.