Setting the ignition timing without starting the engine

[Adam]

You will require:
1. A 12V test light

With the cars ignition on and the distributer installed and the cap off note the position of the number 1 lead and the rotor button position, wind over the engine in its normal direction of rotation by hand until the timing mark on the crankshaft is on the mark you wish to set your initial timing (not at the tdc mark) at and the rotor button is pointing roughly at the number 1 lead position, attach the test light clamp to either the negative terminal of the coil or on the screw/bolt on the side of the distributer, then put the pointer of the test light on the positive terminal of the battery, it can be poked in beside the terminal so it stays in contact and you dont have to moove or touch it, then unlock the distributer base.

You will notice that by moving the distributer the test light goes on and then off, when the points are open the light goes on, this is the point in time where the spark is generated by the coil and travels down to the distributer cap, across the rotor button top and then out to number 1 lead and hopefully across the spark plug gap (Note: Just before tdc), find the point at whitch the light just comes on then lock down the distributer, remove the test light, install the distributer cap and thats all there is to it.

(Note: This only works for points type ignitions)

(Note: Both mechanical and vacuum advance are not taken into account, but this will get the engine started)

(Note: Always double check the settings with the engine running with a timing light and a dwell meter)

Cheers.
Neal.

[old forum]

If you dont have a test light handy to check breaker point opening just find any old transistor radio.Set it to AM and tune to a quiet spot on the band. Turn up volume. Put the radio close to the dizzy and when the points open you will hear a pop/crackle from the radio indicating points have just opened.