Bob,
It's easier to do than you think. You need to do what is known as
"static timing". The timing we do with engines running is called
(properly) dynamic timing, but static was how it was done in TD, TF
times and it's what you do to locate the beginning point when you get
lost.
Make a 12v test light- a 12v lightbulb and two 12 inch wires with
alligator clips. Solder one wire to the side of the lamp and the other to
the lead tip.
Turn engine until #1 piston is at TDC. You may have to have an
assistant turn the engine with a wrench as you hold your finger over the
sparkplug hole.
Once at TDC, hook one alligator clip to the wire to the points inside
the distrib. You can also trace that wire back to the coil and connect at
the coil. The other clip goes to ground.
Now, turn the distrib anticlockwise until the light goes off. Slowly
turn the distrib clockwise until the light goes on. That's the place you
want. Now the distrib will fire at TDC when the engine is stopped, and
that's good enough to get you running, when you can do the more precise
dynamic timing.
Bob
On Fri, 26 Nov 1999 23:20:44 -0600 (EST) BOB HILL
<oldcars@newt.vallnet.com> writes:
>Being no mechanic I have a question that may seem elementary to many
>but I
>need toknow the answer.
>
>I got the 77 Midget home today and it started and ran horribly bad.
>Seems
>among other things that the timing is way off. THe problem now is
>that
>the car will not start. I have moved the distributor a little in both
>direction with no avail. There is spark and I have set the points to
>the
>proper gap and fuel is getting to the carb so I am assuming that hte
>car
>is BAd out of timing - so bad it will not run. The question I have is
>this:
>
>How do I set the timing properly without being able to get the car
>started. Remember, I am not a mechanic so make your explanation easy
>first and not beyond the scope of my abilities secondly.
>
>Thanks a million in advance
>
>Bob
>
>79 MGB
>97 Jaguar XJ6
>77 Midget (sitting in garage with the hood up !!!)
>
>
>
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