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  #1   IP: 69.158.71.200
Old 10-08-2019, 08:33 PM
splashlog splashlog is offline
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Timing is everything..Electronic Ignition....?

Finally got my ignition troubles dealt with. Now, anyone have insights into how to RE time this bad boy now that I have probably messed up the timing real good. It now has the electronic ignition module installed, and it's the old Prestolite Distro. I know where TDC is as I have made a mark, do I just turn the crankshaft until I get a spark on #1 plug and then pray?
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  #2   IP: 24.152.132.140
Old 10-08-2019, 08:57 PM
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ndutton ndutton is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by splashlog View Post
I know where TDC is as I have made a mark
Please describe this mark. Where is it and how did you make it?
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Old 10-08-2019, 11:49 PM
splashlog splashlog is offline
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making a mark

Apparently the pins on the drive shaft that are used to rotate the shaft indicate TDC or BDC. I just rotated the shaft until I had max compression and then marked that pin. I realise it's rough, but should get me in the ball park, no?
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Old 10-09-2019, 04:28 AM
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Yes, all correct but please know that the mark you made for the top of the compression stroke will also indicate the top of the exhaust stroke. When setting the timing initially it is imperative you are certain which stroke you are on.
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1977 Catalina 30
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prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
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  #5   IP: 69.158.71.200
Old 10-09-2019, 06:58 PM
splashlog splashlog is offline
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Confused now with timing

So with the crank shaft at TDC and the roll pin vertical, where should the rotor on the distro be pointing? Right now it's pointing 3 O'clock, but that would mean it's poised to fire plug #4, not #1 as I would assume to be what we need.
The original set up in terms of plug wires off the distro was plug wire #1, 9 OC, #2, 12 OC, #4, 3 OC, #3, 6 OC (1,2,4,3)

I thought I had been fairly careful in keeping the realative position correct of the distro as I had removed/installed it several times, BUT I never checked where the crankshaft was positioned.

I have the EI installed now, if anyone has a step by step procedure, well that would just make my day...

It's the Prestolite Distro with Electronic Ignition
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  #6   IP: 70.185.132.167
Old 10-09-2019, 07:40 PM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by splashlog View Post
S
plug wire #1, 9 OC, #2, 12 OC, #4, 3 OC, #3, 6 OC (1,2,4,3)
Firing order facing the engine from the front or flywheel end I presume?
If the engine was rotated while the distributor was out you will have to ascertain if the mark you made is at TDC compression or TDC exhaust.
The easy way to do a distributor removal into put #1 at TDC compression before taking the distributor out and not rotating the crank while the distributor is removed.

TRUE GRIT

Edit: Maybe you can feel the compression as you rotate the engine. See your manual page 3-2.

Last edited by JOHN COOKSON; 10-09-2019 at 07:55 PM.
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