TIMING LIGHT
By
Don Lenschow
NTAHC
I have heard a lot of discussion about how to get the timing set correctly on a Healey because they only have one mark on the crankshaft pulley. You could take the crank pulley off and mark it in degrees. The photos below show a timing light sold by Sears that can make the job easy and fast. I am sure there are other brands that have the dial on the light to assure correct advance in degrees.
To use the light I have, you simply hook up the power lead clamps and clip the pick up over your number one spark plug wire. If you want 15 degrees BTDC just turn the knob on the rear of the light to 15 and adjust the distributor to make the mark on the crank pulley and the indicator finger on the engine line up. Snug the clamp bolt (do not crush or tighten to much) on the distributor and you have your timing set. If you want to check the maximum advance as per specs. in manual, just set the dial on maximum advance for your car and rev engine to see if the crank mark and finger line up.
Note: When you are setting your timing and you see the mark on the pulley jump around, chances are you have a worn distributor shaft or the plate is not running true. This must be corrected to maintain proper timing.
Don Lenschow drtrite@aol.com
