16 replies to this topic

[spannerboy]

Where are the ignition timing marks on a 998 1972 mini?

 

I can see a picture in the haynes manual that does not corespond with my car. The manual says that pre 76 the marks are more difficult to find and are behind a inspection cover.

 

Where is the cover?

Where the hell are the marks?

 

 

 

[nicklouse]

under the cover on the flywheel bell. set the engine to TDC and you will se them.

 

the picture in Haynes is quite clear.

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Edited by nicklouse, 12 September 2018 - 11:59 AM.

[whistler]

Use a small mirror and a torch to look, you'll probably find someone else has put a paint mark on tdc.

[Ethel]

It might not be obvious from the drawing that there's a bolt head under the marks. There are just 3 such bolts securing the pressure plate and, as has been said you want the one that's visible when 1 and 4 pistons are at the top of their stroke.

[Boycie]

Also worth noting that few 1972 Minis are, um, from 1972 and may or may not have a later engine fitted without the flywheel markings... 

[nicklouse]

Also worth noting that few 1972 Minis are, um, from 1972 and may or may not have a later engine fitted without the flywheel markings... 

exactly.

[spannerboy]

So I have watched youtube videos and they all show the later models useing what looks like teeth near the radiator. This is pretty easy to understand.

 

So I found the little peep hole but I cannot see any wheels inside with markings.

 

 

What I am trying to do is change it from points to electronic ignition.

 

I gather I have to check the ignition timing after the swap.

[Bat]

Hi,

You'll have to turn the engine over whilst looking in the hole until the 1|4 marking comes into view.

Take the distributor cap off and watch for the rotor arm coming round to the number 1 position as a guide.

Cheers 

Edited by Bat, 12 September 2018 - 05:12 PM.

[nicklouse]

So I have watched youtube videos and they all show the later models useing what looks like teeth near the radiator. This is pretty easy to understand.

 

So I found the little peep hole but I cannot see any wheels inside with markings.

 

 

What I am trying to do is change it from points to electronic ignition.

 

I gather I have to check the ignition timing after the swap.

you cant see the fly wheel?

[nicklouse]

you can just see the numbers on this image on the right

 

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[spannerboy]

Thanks @nicklouse.

 

I think I either have to get my head right in there or get a mirror or something. I think I am just not seeing it

[kws]

I looked into this myself a while back for my 1980 Mini (with an older engine) and did bit of a write up about it. Hope it helps

https://www.tastesli...t-timing-marks/

[nicklouse]

Thanks @nicklouse.

 

I think I either have to get my head right in there or get a mirror or something. I think I am just not seeing it

as it says in your Haynes manual

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but again we are presuming that you have the correct Power unit for the year fitted.

[Bobbins]

Get an endoscope for your phone, something like the Depstech.

[Ethel]

Nick's photo shows clearly what you're looking for. Take a plug out of 1 or 4 to feel the piston is near tdc (taking all 4 out will make turning the engine easier).

 

Then look for the bolt head through the timing cover, you can turn the engine slightly to see the drive strap and be sure you got the right end of it. You can use metal polish or similar to help the marks stand out, it is possible there aren't any if the flywheel's been machined or replaced with one off a later  car.