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MG MGB Technical - distributor

I imagine if the timing marks on flywheel are set at 10 deg, with the no 1 ready to fire , I would point the rotor towards the no1 cyl. If i remember right from 40 yrs ago thats how its done. Please some one correct me if I am wrong. thanks Doug
dd doug46chief

That's right providing it is number one that is on the compression stroke. The timing marks will look the same for both number 1 and 4. So you need to ensure it is number 1 that is compressing. Do this either by taking out number 1 plug and with your thumb over the plug hole, turn the engine with a wrench. As number 1 comes up to compression you will feel the air pressure behind your thumb.

Or, take off the valve rocker box cover and look at the valves for both cylinders numbers 1 and 4. When number 1 is ready to fire it's valves will be closed and you will be able to move the rocker arms a fraction. Number 4 will have the exhaust valve wide open which will be obvious with the rocker pressing down on the valve.

And then with the marks at the static timing position, rotate the distributor anti-clockwise until the points are just opening, and the rotor arm is pointing at number one plug lead.
Mike Howlett

thanks , MIKE
dd doug46chief

"rotate the distributor anti-clockwise until the points are just opening"

The normal rotation of the distributor is anti-clockwise, so to set the initial static timing you rotate it *clockwise* with the points closed until they just open.
PaulH Solihull

paul no points just electronic ig. when i would tune my indian m/c i used your method with a light.thanks
dd doug46chief

You are right Paul. I was thinking of my V8 where the rotor arm goes round clockwise.
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed on 04/02/2012

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