A Show of (how many?) Hands

I have a simple little question about setting timing. I have a clip-on tach/dwell meter. A nice timing light with dial-in advance. I know how to hook them up. I know how to use them. So I have one hand on the throttle linkage to get the engine up to desired rpm, and the second one holding the timing light . . . uh, which hand do I use to turn the distributor? My other one?

What's the Secret Technique? Employ a small boy?

Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot
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First determine how many degrees you want to advance / retard, then leave the throttle and turn the distibutor at idle the desired number of degrees. Then pull the trottle again and check what you did. Or... use some adhesive tape to keep the trigger of the timing gun pressed and improvise to make a stand for the gun, so that it points to the pulley.

Bill, '67 bug.

Reply to
Bill Spiliotopoulos

Huh. Seems they could make these timing lights with camera tripod sockets in the bottom. As my best friend "The Mac" says, "Modify."

Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot

Stick it between your legs...

Reply to
Olli Lammi

Use the static method.

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Reply to
Dennis Wik

/I/ beg your pardon!

Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot

What about the multi-talented Inge?

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

Static should get you close enough to start, but you will want to set it properly as soon as it's running.

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

She is timid and easily frightened, dear thing. Revving engine up to

3000 - 3600 rpm makes such a fearful racket she becomes faint.
Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot

I suppose you _could_ try using a small boy to jam the linkage open. But if that doesn't work, you may have to create something else to hold the throttle open so your hands are free to fiddle.

I have the same problem to solve. Maybe another beer will make it clear...

Max

Reply to
Max Welton

Couldn't find a small enough boy to jam the linkage with. Taping the timing light on and laying it on the engine compartment floor did the trick here. Seems like timing lights are build all wrong. Why are they shaped like pistols? We need our hands free to work on the car. They should have clamps like clamp-on lamps or something.

Reply to
Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliot

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