6 replies to this topic

[77LeylandMini]

I got my Mini running again after replacing the coil, condenser, cap, rotor, HT leads, points... But it is not running up to par. around 50 you can hear it popping slightly and it is sluggish, it suddenly accelerates close to 70. I would think this is a timing issue. What is the proper procedure to time a mini? I own an inductive timing light, right now at idle i have it set just forward of the big triangle. this is with all hoses on, i read somewhere that on some cars you are supposed to disconnect the vac advance???..
Any help?
Thanks

PS: If you let it idle for a long time it gets to about 220' F- It didnt do that before the issue occured.

[TVR TASMIN]

Your Mini will have a timing setting figure, so many degrees before top dead centre.
With a dial in strobe you can set your figure on the dial and run the engine to about 3 or 4,000 rpm taking the TDC mark as the point to aim for on the crank pulley.
Some pulleys have a TDC (Top Dead Centre) line marked on the pulley plus others at degrees before and after TDC.
The vacuum hose is usually pulled off for this setting.
It sounds as if you have the timing too advanced.
I'm no Mini expert, but surely you have a Haynes manual or similar. I'm sure if you did a search on this forum you would find the timing figure.
Check your carb settings too.

[Guess-Works.com]

The timing will depend on the dizzy (number on side), and engine, but normally, minis are timed when running at about 1200 rpm, and sometimes at idle.... this seems unique to the A series..

There are pages of timing settings, the above information will help define which one...

[Pooky]

get yourself to a mini friendly rolling road if you want it done perfectly! :grin:

[77LeylandMini]

The dizzy- no number. The engine- No markings, but i do know it is a metro 1275 with an unleaded head. I moved the timing form one max to the other. The only thing that changes is the speed where the problems occur. I do have a haynes manual, but it does not specify where the timing should be in relation to the sharks teeth on the engine. Is it possable that the groove on the pully can be completely off the scale for the timing to be correct???

Thanks for the help

[77LeylandMini]

OK. Found out the vac advance was locked in place. The screw holding the points on was the problem. Added another washer and freed up the vac advance. Set the timing to 10' btdc. Runs MUCH better, but still heating up at idle. if I rev the engine slightly it cools back down.. Idle too low, not enough air being moved by the fan combined with Florida's lovely weather????

Thanks!!

[TVR TASMIN]

Bin those points for a Pertronix ignitor ASAP. They're made in the USA so you should get one very cheap.
Might be an idea to replace the water pump too.