16 replies to this topic

[johnnyroberts67]

Hello

I have an 850 engine I want to check the timing on, I have the notch on the crank pulley but I do not have the pointed indicators that are needed for advance timing on the time chain cover.

I can replicate one and attach it to the timing cover but I really need the length of the pointed indicators that represent the degrees.

I am wondering if someone could give me the size or length of the pointers please  Mini.jpg   21.12K   6 downloads

[nicklouse]

They are most likely on the flywheel. that cover is of an A plus engine that had the timing marks on the crank damper. 

Edited by nicklouse, 25 September 2024 - 10:56 PM.

[68+86auto]

Use the marks on the flywheel (or torque converter).

[GraemeC]

Or accurately set a single pointer for TDC and then use a timing light with adjustable advance.

[johnnyroberts67]

Ok thanks for the answers and suggestions, at least now I understand why there are not any timing pointers on my engine and I need to use the flywheel marks or as Crazy About Mini's suggests, Or accurately set a single pointer for TDC and then use a timing light with adjustable advance.

I'll try the flywheel first with a mirror and see how I go

[miniGTS]

Or accurately set a single pointer for TDC and then use a timing light with adjustable advance.

I did this on my engine because there are no timings marks on the timing cover and the crank pully has a mark on but it's at the bottom when the #1 cylinder is at TDC. The flywheel was lightened by the previous owner and those marks are also off but it looks like they made a marking on the flywheel and also painted one flywheel stud with yellow paint and a punch mark on the top. Assuming that is accurate, the engine seems to run best at around 40 degrees advance at around 1200rpm... All seems high but I assume it has to do with the cam... Which I have no clue what it is. I do recall the guy saying it's a fast road cam, what ever that could mean..

Also, the timing light only seems to operate when I revs are over 1000rpm, is that kinda normal?

[nicklouse]

 

Or accurately set a single pointer for TDC and then use a timing light with adjustable advance.

Also, the timing light only seems to operate when I revs are over 1000rpm, is that kinda normal?

 

Nope.

[timmy850]

 

Or accurately set a single pointer for TDC and then use a timing light with adjustable advance.

I did this on my engine because there are no timings marks on the timing cover and the crank pully has a mark on but it's at the bottom when the #1 cylinder is at TDC. The flywheel was lightened by the previous owner and those marks are also off but it looks like they made a marking on the flywheel and also painted one flywheel stud with yellow paint and a punch mark on the top. Assuming that is accurate, the engine seems to run best at around 40 degrees advance at around 1200rpm... All seems high but I assume it has to do with the cam... Which I have no clue what it is. I do recall the guy saying it's a fast road cam, what ever that could mean..

Also, the timing light only seems to operate when I revs are over 1000rpm, is that kinda normal?

 

 

That doesn't sound right at all:

If a flywheel has been balanced after machining it should be stamped or marked with paint to make sure the assembly is aligned properly and put back in balance.

I am assuming your timing mark isn't right, as 40 degrees at 1200RPM would be very difficult to start, and once the mechanical advance kicks in you'd be way too high for decent performance and likely caused engine damage

 

It's quite easy to set up a proper visible timing mark. I used a small strap of metal, cut the end into a pointer and bolted it onto the timing cover bolt. Then remove the plugs and manually turn the engine till the #1 piston is at the top, then mark the crank pulley. (the most accurate way is using a piston stop or dial indicator in the spark plug hole, measuring the same piston height on the way up & down and averaging the two spots)

[miniGTS]

This is what I have on the flywheel.

Attached Files

•  IMG_20241009_232443.jpg   52.5K   7 downloads

[timmy850]

Where is #1 piston when the mark lines up? It should be visible through the spark plug hole, and at the top of the stroke

[miniGTS]

Where is #1 piston when the mark lines up? It should be visible through the spark plug hole, and at the top of the stroke

Yes, it's up.

[MiNiKiN]

Where is #1 piston when the mark lines up? It should be visible through the spark plug hole, and at the top of the stroke

....and the rockers of #1 should be slack

[miniGTS]

Where is #1 piston when the mark lines up? It should be visible through the spark plug hole, and at the top of the stroke

....and the rockers of #1 should be slack

Ja, so valves at #1 closed and #4 starting to rock is how I did if I remember correctly.

[timmy850]

It shouldn't matter where the valves are when you set the TDC mark. TDC is the same on both strokes as far as the pistons are concerned. 

[miniGTS]

It shouldn't matter where the valves are when you set the TDC mark. TDC is the same on both strokes as far as the pistons are concerned.

Yes, that's my understanding.

I had as above when I set the timing.