The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Timing 216

Can someone share some info on the procedure for timing the ign on the '42 Chevy 216? still 6 volt system.

Do you have a timing light? If so, follow the procedure in the Shop Manual.

If not, do you have a vacuum gauge? Adjust the the distributor to give maximum vacuum on a warmed up engine at idle.

Some people have logically suggested to set for maximum vacuum at or around cruising RPM, around 2000.

- Companion cylinder method of finding TDC (from Mikestem) -- Take the valve cover off, watch #6 rockers. and as you turn the engine over by hand (take plugs out first), watch the last two valves. When the last valve (exhaust) is coming back up and the 2nd-to-last valve (intake) is just starting to go down, Cylinder 1 is at or approaching TDC.
- Now watch for the proper mark (check manual, I think its a "TC" or something) in the flywheel window, and stop turning when it's under the pointer.
- Take the cap off the dizzy and verify that the rotor is pointing at #1 wire, and the points are just barely starting to open.

To set timing you'll be using the BB and window pointer. You can use a 12v timing light to dial it in if you attach the + and - leads to a 12v battery and put the wire clamp on the #1 6v wire.
I also find it helps to mark the BB and the pointer with a white grease pen (I marked the other flywheel symbols with different colors).

Here is how I have been timing the engine in my '51 burb since 1973.

If you don't want to take the valve cover off, just turn the engine so that the rotor is pointing to the number one contact position on the cap. Watch carefully for the BB. When the BB is lined up with the pointer, you are good.

Taking the sparkplugs out makes it real easy to turn the engine over with the fan (use one hand to press the belt between the fan and genny or crank pully while turning with the other hand) I usually don't take the plugs out, but be sure the ignition is OFF if you don't take the plugs out.

I have never had a timing light, and I have always just static timed the engine. The trick is to loosen the bolt and slowly turn the distributor until the points just open. You will want to have correctly gapped the points first. Have the ignition on, and you may see/hear a little spark when the points open. Alternatively you can use a simple test lamp that has a light and probe to tell when the points just open.

At this point she should fire up just fine. Go for a drive, warm it up and then floor it in 3rd gear while going 25 or 30. If you hear the engine spark knock, you need to retard the timing a bit.

I have good power and fuel economy using this method, but it's not for everyone, and if you have a sloppy distributor, it may be hard to dial it in.

Kurt

The method Kurt suggests, is what I do too. I usedacould have a timing light, but I dropped it. With or without the light, the road test is required for maximum power and economy. Plus, its fun.