Setting up Timing and Points with Chevy Dist

farmerdick

farmerdick

Senior Member
I have asked this before but time has passed and need my brain refreshed. I am ready to fire up the flat head with a Bubbas Chevy mechanical advance and need to know points(dwell) and TDC settings. First question:


1. Does the rotor need to be pointing at #1 on the cap?


2. And if so(continuing from question #1) does the does the TDC pin line up with the crankshaft pulley mark?


I believe #1 cyl should be at the top of its compression stroke to set TDC.


I am sorry to have to ask for information that has been asked a hundred times but I need to be led through this step by step. What makes it difficult is access to the crank bolt to turn the engine over as I can barely get a wrench on the bolt as it is very tight on space. Thank you.
 
There are inexpensive "remote starter switches" that connect at the starter solenoid and solve the engine rotation issue. Yes, the distributor rotor should be pointed to the location of the #1 plug wire in the cap. The engine pointer should be on the TDC mark WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON COMPRESSION STROKE. Remove #1 spark plug, hold your thumb over the hole and bump the engine over until you feel compression, then align the TDC mark with the pointer. Start the engine and time it with the timing light. Initial timing isn't as important as getting the total timing correct, but around 2 degrees to 8 degrees initial is desirable. You will want something in the range of 18-25 degrees total advance at around 2000-2500 RPM. Total include the vacuum advance if you are using it. Individual engine needs will dictate total needs. If the distributor hasn't been curved for a flathead you might need some help with it.
 
Put your finger in the spark plug hole and tap the starte till it pops out.
Now move crank to the TDC mark
Now put rotor at #1
Start engine and adjust timing with a light.
Inital timing is not important, so long as the engine starts.
If the dist has a vacc adv. Idle advance should be around 10 degs
Rev engine to 2k timing should advance to around 20 degs
Now drive the car and make fine adjustments to your driving style
A good tune up needs an AF meter
 
#1-Yes.
#2-Yes, except lining up the timing pointer with the pulley dot is 2 degrees before TDC.
Yes, #1 should be be at the top of the compression stroke to set TDC.
Dwell should be 30 degrees, stock Chevy spec.
 
Thank you guys so much. I feel like a dork sometimes. I believe I have a remote starter switch in my tool box someplace. I will give everyone an up date on how things went plus photos of this project.
 
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