Ignition Timing

[Steve S]

What is the best way to set up/check the ignition timing on Z1A with standard points ignition.I Want to get mine checked is it best to just buy a timing light and would i need to use a dwell meter also.Or would it be better to take it to a local (trusted) garage with the computerised equipment? Has anyone got any tips?

[kev edwards]

Hi Steve,you will probably find most on here do their own,i have a dyna system on mine i set it up as per instruction booklet,then check with a strobe,it may pay you to buy a decent strobe and set up as the manual says then check it with the strobe,this way you get sattisfaction as well.

[Garn 1]

Steve, if you have points then you really need both the dwell meter and the strobe timing light. The Dwell meter alows you to set the gap in points very accurately. It usually measures in degrees .. From memory, 52 degrees is equivalent to 0.015 thou. 55 degrees is 0.012 thou. or vice-versa. You can see you can get the points setting very accurate.

Remember it's a bit of a "check and re-check" process, where you set the dwell, set the timing then check the dwell again. I find the worst error a home mechanic can make, is overtightening these small screws in the contact breaker area.

RegardZ