What is initial ignition timing?

What is initial ignition timing?

The term “Initial Timing” refers to the amount of Ignition Timing applied to the engine at idle.

What is normal ignition timing?

That is typically 15-35 degrees before TDC (top dead center) of the power stroke depending on the engine speed. Best power is achieved when ignition timing is set to fire the spark ahead of time to reach that peak pressure at about 2 degrees after TDC.

How much initial timing is too much?

It depends on how much mechanical advance is in the distributor that you are using. If your initial is at least 12* after adjusting your total to 34*, I’d say you are in good shape.

Does cam timing affect ignition timing?

Contrary to what a lot of people think, cam “timing” and ignition “timing” have nothing to do with each other anymore than a timing “belt” and a fan “belt” have anything to do with each other. Advancing a cam opens the intake valve sooner, which brings the power curve down to a little lower RPM.

What happens if your timing is too far advanced?

Overheating. If ignition timing is too far advanced, it will cause the fuel-and-air mixture to ignite too early in the combustion cycle. This can cause the amount of heat generated by the combustion process to increase and lead to overheating of the engine.

What rpm do you set timing at?

3,000 – 3,500 rpm
Rev the engine past the point where your mechanical advance is fully engaged. (Usually, 3,000 – 3,500 rpm will do it.) Watch the timing mark on the harmonic balancer using the timing light. Rotate the distributor until the timing mark lines up at zero with the light.

Where are the timing marks on a Lotus engine?

Before attempting to adjust valve timing it is necessary to check the manufacturers crankshaft timing marks. These marks are usually located on the crankshaft pulley and corresponding marks located at the front of the engine eg. the front timing chest on a Ford/Lotus twin cam engine.

Where are the timing marks on a Lotus Esprit?

Alternatively, the timing marks may appear on the flywheel and have a corresponding pointer located in the bell housing eg. the gearbox bell housing in a Lotus Turbo Esprit. It is necessary to check these marks because of the manufacturing tolerances that are involved when machining these components.

Which is the correct way to set the camshaft timing?

This method of setting the camshaft timing is referred to as “Valve Full Lift Position” or “Maximum Opening Point” (commonly abbreviated as MOP) and is used when setting valve timing on symmetrical camshafts.

How do you turn a Lotus TC distributor?

1. Turn the distributor body anti-clockwise by approximately 10 to 15 degrees. 2. Remove the coil HT lead and place near a good earth point. 3. Turn the ignition on. 4. Grasp the distributor body and gently turn in a clockwise direction