QuestionQUESTION: I am preparing to restart the engine (a MGB 3 bearing) after 20 years. I manually turned each year and kept two teaspoons of Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders. Gas tank had been flushed and cleaned 20 years ago. I have rebuilt carbs and master cylinder, new radiator etc. I had to remove the distributor to change the heater control valve and now I am not sure of the timing accuracy. I have searched through your database and can't find the procedure for setting timing. Could you please remind me?
Also, is there any reference you can point me to as to the use of each of the holes in the bulkhead so that I have everything in the right place.
I do appreciate the service and many thanks
ANSWER: Hi Gerald,
It sounds like you did everything right but I don't understand why you removed the distributor. Doesn't matter though. remove all the plugs and turn the engine over until you feel compression on #1 cylinder then stop and put a rod like a coat hanger or welding rod in #1 hole to feel the top of the piston and put the car in 4th gear (brake off) and rock the car by hand while you hold the coat hanger to feel TDC. Now you are at TDC of the compression / power stroke and then look at the blade of the distributor shaft and note that it is off set so it can only be put in one way. Install the distributor and remove the cap and note where the rotor is pointing. Look at the cap to locate #1 plug wire and turn the distributor so the rotor is pointing at #1 pin in the cap. If all the wires had been removed set the distributor so the vacuum advance unit is positioned so it is not fouling on anything. then turn the distributor so the contact points have just barely opened and look at where the rotor is pointing in the cap and use that pin as #1 and just follow around the cap with the other wires (1,3,4,2).
Then set the timing more accurately with a test light procedure or a timing light. (as I remember an early "B" is 10 deg static)
If you have any problems let me know.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks so much Howard - can you clarify which is #1 cylinder? Is it the one at the front of the engine i.e. nearest the radiator.
Also any hints on which holes to use in the bulkhead out of the 20 or so that are there?
Appreciated your quick response and thanks again
AnswerYes, the front cylinder is #1. No, I don't remember which hole gets what. Lay everything out (cables, wiring harness etc. and you will see where most belong) Or you can purchase a restoration manual as they usually go into that kind of detail. Not a shop manual but a restoration manual. A Google search should net you some manuals.
Howard
