Timing question on a 71 small block
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Timing question on a 71 small block
I have a 270/350 base engine on a 71. We installed a 270 Comp Cam and new lifters a couple of year ago. We set the timing by ear back then. I soon noticed that the timing was off. When the car is warmed up and now, when cold, it sounds like it has a weak battery when starting the car. Especially when it is warmed up good, it is hard to start but then suddenly kicks over very well. I have been told this is due to the timing being off. I know I need to adjust the timing but I'm not a real engine guy. Does the timing need retarded or advanced? That being the question, should I adjust the distributor clockwise or counter-clockwise. Help me Obiwon Kenobi, you're my only help!
Rick in Tennessee
Rick in Tennessee
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 32,519
Likes: 1
From: central America
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I'd try to get a hold of Lars and get one if his how to time a car papers. I do feel that you should get a timing light (they have adjustable one at Sears for around $60 and that's what lars used at TFB in Chicago), as they are nice to have, especially if you are going to be doing more work on your car. I think you have to move the distributor CCW to get more advance, but its been a while since I worked on a distributor.
Good Luck
trw
Good Luck
trw
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 11
From: Seattle WA
If you are not a mechanically oriented guy I would find a good locally recommended independent repair shop that has a Sun engine analyzer. They can check the entire ignition system as well as the starting circuits as well. They can accurately set the timing and give you the specs. It shouldn't break the bank.
One reason I suggest this is that you may not have a timing problem but rather a starter problem. It kind of depends on how "radical" the cam is.
One reason I suggest this is that you may not have a timing problem but rather a starter problem. It kind of depends on how "radical" the cam is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Rick: You'll need a timing light and do the following. This is NOT a performance timing but will get you close enought for a good start.
1) start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temp
2) stop the engine
3) disconnect the vacuum line at the distributor. Block the line with a screw, small phillips screw driver, etc.
4) loosen the distributor hold down bolt just enough until you can move the distributor by hand but requires a little force
5) connect the timing light to #1 spark plug wire. This is the one going to the very front cylinder on the driver side.
6) restart the engine
7) adjust the carb idle screw to get an idle to about 800 rpm
8) move the distributor until your timing is about 8*
9) stop the engine
10) tighten down the distributor
11) reconnect the vacuum line to the distributor
12) restart the engine and reset the engine idle speed to 800 rpm
13) have a brewsky
1) start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temp
2) stop the engine
3) disconnect the vacuum line at the distributor. Block the line with a screw, small phillips screw driver, etc.
4) loosen the distributor hold down bolt just enough until you can move the distributor by hand but requires a little force
5) connect the timing light to #1 spark plug wire. This is the one going to the very front cylinder on the driver side.
6) restart the engine
7) adjust the carb idle screw to get an idle to about 800 rpm
8) move the distributor until your timing is about 8*
9) stop the engine
10) tighten down the distributor
11) reconnect the vacuum line to the distributor
12) restart the engine and reset the engine idle speed to 800 rpm
13) have a brewsky
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
At Harbor Freight tools you can buy ans indusctive timing light with an advance dial for under $25. Then you can set your timing the best way by setiing it for 35 degrees full advance. It's a piece of cake 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Have u looked at the local tech schools for a short course in Home Auto Mechanics? Sometimes even high schools have evening courses for adults and it sounds like u really need some of the basics Rick.
Nothing wrong with being an C3 enthusiest first and learning as you go. But a tune-up course will give u the hands on to avoid some expensive mistakes.
Just a suggestion that would help u more right now than to try to explain a shop manual's skills in a few minutes typing.
Good luck.
cardo0
Nothing wrong with being an C3 enthusiest first and learning as you go. But a tune-up course will give u the hands on to avoid some expensive mistakes.
Just a suggestion that would help u more right now than to try to explain a shop manual's skills in a few minutes typing.
Good luck.
cardo0
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,377
Likes: 6,376
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Rick -
You can't set the timing by ear. Go down to Sears and buy an adjustable timing light for $69 and then set up your total timing to 36 degrees as it should be. Drop me an e-mail for the "How to set timing" paper if you need step-by-step instructions.
V8FastCars@msn.com
You can't set the timing by ear. Go down to Sears and buy an adjustable timing light for $69 and then set up your total timing to 36 degrees as it should be. Drop me an e-mail for the "How to set timing" paper if you need step-by-step instructions.
V8FastCars@msn.com
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 11
From: Seattle WA
Originally Posted by Rick Church
It's only a 270 Comp Cam. That is the biggest cam I could go with without changing the heads.
If not then find that indie shop.
BTW I do my own but have been since 265/283 days. BTW was the engine hard to start right after the cam install or is this a fairly recent event?
I still think you may have starter issues particularly if the problem is fairly recent.
