Blink'n Timing Light

[NiceFishEh]

Got a new digital timing light light for Christmas...have no idea how to use it!!!

The instructions aren't that good because the timing marks they refer to,(pointer and tape) is not typical for my 340.

My harmonic balancer has a perpindicular groove in it...and thats all. No pointer.

This is my first mopar in 35 years. Back then, with much regret ops: I owned Impalas and Chevelles, (nobody's perfect), and I knew them pretty good. But I'm not sure what I'm doing here.

If I am able to flash that groove with zero on my display, I'm exactly at TDC, right? I can't even find the groove right now.

I'm pretty sure my dist is not out 180*, because it starts and gets up pretty good.

Is there a site or a link that is specific to timing this set up?

What am I doing wrong? :scratch:

Thanks

 

[onehellofadart]

Looking down at the damper from the drivers side to the right of the damper on the block gauge should be your timing marks.
With a digital light you advance the light till the mark on the damper alligns with the 0 mark on that guide.
That should tell you were your initial timing is.
If your light is set to 18* and the damper mark lines up with the 0 mark your advance is set to 18*.

 

[NiceFishEh]

Hey Tony:

Yo da man!!!

I found the tab. It is located between the lower rad hose and ps pump and it was completely covered in grease. I don't know how the previous owners ever timed this car. The rad hose connection to the water pump covers all but about 1/5 of the groove on the damper... but it's there.

It was set at 2* initial with vac disconnected. I bumped it up to 8* and now get 34* at about 2300 rpm and 46* total. What a difference that made, especially after re-adjusting the carb.

When I install the electonic dist this winter, I will get the total up around 50*.

Anyway, I got 'er all done without getting my shnaus wacked off by the fan and still have all my fingers and toes.

As for the timing light, it's nice...especially with the built in digital tach.

Thanks Tony

and Happy New Year to all

 

[onehellofadart]

Eh nicefish, no problem. I'm don't know all but
50* total timming seems like an awfull lot. Burn a
hole in the top of your piston type of alot.
Post some specs, and maybe some of the guys here
could corect me if I'm wrong. :salut:

 

[NiceFishEh]

Hey Tony:

The engine is a basically stock 1970 340 with an Edelbrock LD340 and a small Carter AFB. I doesn't sound overly cammed and dosen't look like it's ever been apart, (except for the intake and maybe water pump).

A couple of sites suggest that for all A engines pre '89 with electronics should run @ 35*, (initial + mech), @ 2600RPM, and 50* total.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

JimmyZ

 

[onehellofadart]

I have a 1970 340 with p/p heads , Nice came , 750 davinci carb.
MSD ignition syst w/6al box. I run 18* intial and 36* total all in by 2200rpm. Mechanical advance. Again I don't know all I thought
after 38* total your looking for trouble. :scratch:

 

[GotDart]

If 50° is with vacuum advance hooked up, you're probably okay. As soon as you open the throttle any significant amount, it should drop out any timing vacuum advance adds. But from what I've heard, 34° is the max you should run with initial + mechanical advance. And initial should be set as high as you can get it without causing starting issues.

 

[NiceFishEh]

The advance hooked up is included in the 50* total.

I also read somewhere that, although you could start at 35* initial plus mech, (with advance plugged), then the initial should be backed off if any pinging occurrs. Then the 50* becomes a non issue, unless there are mech problems with the dist. Is this what you're referring to Tony?

You are also right, Greg, about the starting issue. The starter itself could labour like crazy with too much advance!!!!

Comments???

Jimmy Z

 

[onehellofadart]

Yes , I didn't realize that was with the vacuum
advance connected.