QuestionI am very new to motor repairs and modifications and thus seek your advice. I have just bought a set of Weber 45DCOE complete with the inlet manifold to fit to a ported cylinder head. I have been told that modified engines nearly always need a considerable amount of initial spark advance. I have also just bought a timing light with advance tester. How do I check my distributor advance.
AnswerI assume that you have an MGB?
You say that your car has been modified (raised compression, polished cylinder head) so you need to ask the person who sold you the ported cylinder head what the timing should be.
Depending on the year of your car, and which market it was made for (UK, USA, California, Japan?) the timing may be different.
The method for checking the timing is:
1) Disconnect the vacuum advance pipe from the distributor (if you have a vacuum pipe connected to the distributor).
2) Connect the timing light to spark plug lead number 1 (nearest the front of the car)
3) Start the engine and point the timing light at the timing marks on the front of the engine. Be careful not to touch any moving parts.
4) Note where the timing notch on the pulley lines up with the timing marks on the timing cover.
If you cannot see the marks clearly, you should use a drop of white paint.
