The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Timing and Points

Okay, with my (engine) head being rebuilt, I decided to check out the push rods, lifters and cylinder walls and all looked great. So I turned over the engine and with luck the #1 piston ended dead up, with both lifters down. I checked the chrome timing ball on the flywheel and she is dead center on the pointer in the flywheel opening. Sooooh, this means that my timing set-up is correct from a cam perspective. With that in mind, should my points just be opening, be open, or be closed? I'm concerned since prior to taking the head off I replaced the vacum advance and had to pull the distributor to do it. I had a (#%$#^%) dickens of a time getting the distributor back in place. In essence, I might be one tooth off. Any way to check??

Thanks much for the insights!!

Hey Bruce, I've just discovered I have that very problem with the vacuum advance and am getting ready to pull the distributor to change it out. The biggest problem I got now is I can't find a replacement vacuum advance. I thought I had one on a spare distributor, but turns out it is a different animal. Can you point me in the right direction where I can find one? TIA, Tony

Bruce, with the engine timed like you describe,the points should just be opening, with the rotor pointed towards the number one cylinder plug wire on the cap.When you feel you're close, just rotate the rotor ever so slightly clockwise, check for the points just opening.You can use test lights, buzzers or a cigarette paper, but a sharp eye is just as good.