TR7 Ignition Timing

[simps]

Good evening chaps

I'm having trouble getting my engine running smoothly and getting a reasonable power output.

I have K&N filters, a tubular stainless manifold and have rejected the carbs to suit .

It's proving difficult to get everything singing from the same hymn sheet.

Can anyone give me a steer on the ignition settings to give me something to work with?

Thanks in advance

Simon

[Cobber]

Check your valve clearances, these engines are quite sensitive to them.
You should also check for vacuum leaks, a common problem is the rubber carb mounting blocks deteriorate and crack, which will make the engine run like a hairy goat!

As for timing settings, that would depend on what specification your engine is..... dependant on year and country as well as modifications.

Oh ......"rejecting" the carbs is a bit harsh, no wonder it doesn't go all that well.....perhaps you should've settled for rejetting them instead!

[dursleyman]

I think a generally accepted place to start on the ignition timing is 10 degrees BTDC at tickover, assuming you have checked all the other stuff.
See how that goes and then a little either way to get where you need to be.

[Beans]

Have you checked the colour of your sparkplugs?
I have always found this a good indicator of the general mixture (rich/about OK/lean).
Depending on your engine's origins, set the static timing and start the engine.
Check timing on idle is the same as static
Than slightly adjust the timing a bit in both direction and see what happens with the engine.

[sonscar]

Using a timing light check that it advances with increasing rpm.It would probably benefit from servicing the points if fitted and lubeing the advance mechanism.Steve.

[simps]

Thanks for the replies

The engine is standard and I should have mentioned has electronic ignition.

The plugs were clean last time out

I'll start around 10deg and go from there

[sonscar]

As I said earlier it is easy but important to check the timing advances with increased rpm.Retarded timing under load can damage the motor..A rough method is to set the idle to 2000/2500 rpm and slowly swing the distributor until the revs peak then retard it to lose 250 rpm.This method has its dangers.Timing at idle may not bear relevance to what is required under load.Just my redneck experience,use under caution,Steve.