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MG TD TF 1500 - Pertronix static timing?

I installed my recently purchased pertronix kit today in the TF 1500. Positive ground set up. Instructions were easy to understand apart from the lack of instructions on ignition timing.
Could get no good information from a voltmeter while turning the engine with the crank handle. Then started the engine and used a stroboscope to set the timing at approx 5 millimeters before TDC on cyl. no at idling speed - ca 800 rpm.

The test ride was a pleasant surprise, as the engine ran smoother and had more power, and the gear shift rattle was gone.

I would however like to find a method of static timing with the Pertronix set up - if possible.

regards

Jan
Jan Kristoffersen

- is there anybody out there?

Thank you for explaining static timing with Pertronix!

Regards,

Jan
Jan Kristoffersen

Jan,
I set up a Pertronix with supercharged engine and am not too concerned about static timing as much as full advanced. I printed up a timing wheel to the size of the crank pulley and identified 0 - 30 degrees advance in 5 degree increments, and use a timing light to set it at 25 degrees before top dead center. I can post the measurements for the pulley degrees if you want.

I have to believe the XPAG was set at zero degrees static timing to avoid kickback when handcranking.

Jim
Jim Northrup

Jan,

A well built distributor running pertronix should tolerate at least 5mm of timing static. A pertronix must have the ignition on to test this. I run a test lamp from the red terminal of the pertronix at the coil to a known ground, retard the rotor (clockwise), turn the distributor counter clockwise until the bulb goes out, and then turn the distributor clockwise until the bulb lights.

Things I shoot for stroboscopically are 10-14 degrees BTDC (about 9mm) at less than 1000 rpm; and 32 degrees (about 27mm) at 3000-3500 RPM.

Take it on the road, and put it in fourth gear at 20 mph and accelerate. It shouldn't suffer preignition pinking when you test this.

warmly,
dave

Dave Braun

Thank you for prompt replies!

I made another trip today and the car runs beautifully, without overheating on ascents where water temp would previously exceed 95 degrees Celcius.

But still, I will make a degree disc for the crank pulley and hook up my stroboscope again. Surely it is a good idea to focus on cruising rpm timing and not primarily idling speed timing.
And the internet is fantastic!

regards,

Jan
Jan Kristoffersen

This thread was discussed between 17/06/2011 and 18/06/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

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