16 replies to this topic

[TheJack]

So after posting about possible advanced timing issue, I have gone through everything and it's all in working order.

I am totally lost now though. I can get my mini up and running and driveable, however when using the strobe light the mark on the pulley does not come close to the markings on the engine. The mark on the pulley is facing the floor near enough. I have done all the static timing right, but I don't get how I can get the engine running and be able to drive it (by timing it till it pinks then backing it off) but the mark on the pulley not be close to the engine markings. If I turning the dizzy quickly so the mark is at 20 degrees the engine dies straight away. I've checked my leads are in the right order but again guessing it wouldn't start if they weren't in the correct order.

Even if I time it by ear and go out for a drive, it is very slow.

The engine is a 1275 A+ from a Metro.
Electronic ignition (Metro unit).
Pre-verto clutch.
HS4 carb with cone filter and AEM needle.
Using 3-in-1 oil for the SU dampener.

Edited by TheJack, 28 September 2021 - 01:45 PM.

[mini13]

camper outer slipped on its rubber?

 

I make my own marks on the fly wheel using a "dead stop" and then use a dial back strobe

[TheJack]

camper outer slipped on its rubber?

 

I make my own marks on the fly wheel using a "dead stop" and then use a dial back strobe

I don't believe so as when I get the pulley to the TDC mark, piston 1 is at TDC.

What is a "dead stop"? My strobe unfortunately doesn't have a dial back.

[GraemeC]

I have previously come across pulleys with the timing mark in the 'wrong' location - I concluded they must've been for a different engine application, possibly an inline configuration.

 

When your pulley mark aligns with the TDC pointer and piston 1 is at the top of the bore, what are the rockers doing and where is the rotor arm pointing? 

[TheJack]

I have previously come across pulleys with the timing mark in the 'wrong' location - I concluded they must've been for a different engine application, possibly an inline configuration.

 

When your pulley mark aligns with the TDC pointer and piston 1 is at the top of the bore, what are the rockers doing and where is the rotor arm pointing? 

So when piston 1 is TDC on the compression stroke the rotor arm is facing spark plug 1 and the rockers are rocking on cylinder 4.

[GraemeC]

And at that point the pulley mark is where?

[TheJack]

And at that point the pulley mark is where?

The top mark on the engine markings

[Edington]

Interesting that someone has a similar issue as me! After using the timing marks on the flywheel number 1 cylinder isn't at TDC on its compression stoke. So in the end I ignored it and set it up by rocker position with number 1 piston TDC. It runs reasonably well so thought I'd then use a strobe to do a final tweak and found that the mark on the crank shaft pully settled nearly out of sight. Weird or what! Engine is 998cc A series, unleaded head, twin HS2's non verto clutch.  

[GraemeC]

The something is very odd!
Are you sure you're connecting your timing light to the correct plug lead?

[TheJack]

The something is very odd!
Are you sure you're connecting your timing light to the correct plug lead?

Yeah, I connected it to the 1st HT lead nearest to the radiator making sure the timing light connectors arrow was facing the spark plug.

[GraemeC]

After using the timing marks on the flywheel number 1 cylinder isn't at TDC on its compression stoke.

 

You can't set number 1 cylinder to TDC Compression using the flywheel markings - you can only set the piston to the top of stroke, it could be the compression stroke, it could be the exhaust stroke.

The flywheel (crank) rotates two revolutions per 4 stroke cycle.

[TheJack]

 

After using the timing marks on the flywheel number 1 cylinder isn't at TDC on its compression stoke.

 

You can't set number 1 cylinder to TDC Compression using the flywheel markings - you can only set the piston to the top of stroke, it could be the compression stroke, it could be the exhaust stroke.

The flywheel (crank) rotates two revolutions per 4 stroke cycle.

 

Sorry didn't realise I put flywheel. I meant on the pulley, lined the mark up with the top of the markings on the engine.

[GraemeC]

You didn't - Edington did   

(Although the same theory applies to the pulley too - the pulley mark will line up with the pointer twice per full 4 stroke cycle.)

[TheJack]

You didn't - Edington did   

(Although the same theory applies to the pulley too - the pulley mark will line up with the pointer twice per full 4 stroke cycle.)

Ah my bad! 

[Earwax]

I am agreeing with the wrong location of marking theory suggested above..

 

Just for checking , it would be good if you can confirm that your timing light is reading similar to another known good one.

 

Do all your checks and possibly use the flywheel markings as your true datum point. Then (temporarily at first)remark the pulley or as another thought check that the marking pointers of the timing cover are ok.... different cover types exist and some of them are only rivet/glue or spot welded on ( ie flimsy)