Adjusting the static timing

The timing mechanism in the ignition system causes the sparkplug to fire in each cylinder just before the piston reaches top dead centre ( TDC ) on its compression stroke .

That gives time for the mixture to start burning steadily as the piston passes through TDC. The resulting expansion of burning gases will thereby be most effectively used throughout the power stroke .

The timing of the spark is measured as the number of degrees by which the crankshaft is short of bringing the piston in the timing cylinder (usually No. 1, but consult the handbook for your car) to TDC.

The number of degrees varies from car to car (again consult the handbook).

Static timing means setting the timing with the engine stopped.

You set the crankshaft at the correct number of degrees before top dead centre, then adjust the distributor by turning it until the contact-breaker points are just opening.

However, this method of timing takes no account of wear and between two parts such as the teeth of gears. data-term-id="1310">backlash