From experience gained in operating a full time workshop, it is advisable to check the position of all the cam belt timing pulleys just in case the auxiliary timing pulley has been incorrectly timed when the timing belt was last replaced. If the pulley is accidentally located one tooth out on the timing belt then the auxiliary shaft locating slot for the distributor dog-drive will be rotated accordingly (which in turn will skew the distributor orientation)
Before attempting to install the distributor and set the ignition timing, it is important to ensure the auxiliary timing pulley mark is at the 6 O'clock position (when the engine is at TDC) viewed from the front of the engine.
Failure to check the auxiliary timing pulley mark is at the correct position will prevent the distributor and reluctor orientation being achieved below.
Ignition Timing Initial Setting:
If the engine has been rebuilt, or the distributor replaced, an initial setting of the ignition timing must be made to enable the engine to run.
Set the crankshaft to 10 degrees BTDC using the timing marks and pointer on the flywheel and clutch housing with the rotor arm pointing towards no. 1 terminal on the distributor cap.
Pull off the rotor arm and plastic shield and turn the distributor body to align the pick up sensor with the adjacent projection on the reluctor (equivalent to the cam on a contact breaker system).
The engine may now be started and run up to normal operating temperature before adjusting ignition timing as below
Check/Adjust Ignition Timing:
Start the engine and run up to normal operating temperature to ensure the T.I.V. switches the distributor capsule to the throttle edge port.
Using a stroboscope, check/adjust the ignition timing to 10 degrees BTDC at hot idle.
Timing marks are provided on the flywheel rim, with an aperture and pointer in the top of the clutch housing, adjacent to the starter motor.
Pull out the protective grommet, and refit after adjustment.
View of timing marks on flywheel looking through clutch housing aperture
To check the centrifugal advance operation, first disconnect and plug, or clamp off the vacuum hose between distributor capsule and T.I.V.
Check centrifugal advance characteristics are as follows:
crank rpm crank ° (±2°)
Below 1,000 nil
2,000 8°
3,000 16° (max)
Next, check and adjust the engine idle speed
Start engine and run up to normal operating temperatures.
Check that the air conditioning (if fitted) is switched off.
Adjust idle speed, at the stop screw, on the front of the rear carburettor, to 950 ± 50 rpm. Stop engine.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
Before attempting to install the distributor and set the ignition timing, it is important to ensure the auxiliary timing pulley mark is at the 6 O'clock position (when the engine is at TDC) viewed from the front of the engine.
Failure to check the auxiliary timing pulley mark is at the correct position will prevent the distributor and reluctor orientation being achieved below.
Ignition Timing Initial Setting:
If the engine has been rebuilt, or the distributor replaced, an initial setting of the ignition timing must be made to enable the engine to run.
Set the crankshaft to 10 degrees BTDC using the timing marks and pointer on the flywheel and clutch housing with the rotor arm pointing towards no. 1 terminal on the distributor cap.
Pull off the rotor arm and plastic shield and turn the distributor body to align the pick up sensor with the adjacent projection on the reluctor (equivalent to the cam on a contact breaker system).
The engine may now be started and run up to normal operating temperature before adjusting ignition timing as below
Check/Adjust Ignition Timing:
Start the engine and run up to normal operating temperature to ensure the T.I.V. switches the distributor capsule to the throttle edge port.
Using a stroboscope, check/adjust the ignition timing to 10 degrees BTDC at hot idle.
Timing marks are provided on the flywheel rim, with an aperture and pointer in the top of the clutch housing, adjacent to the starter motor.
Pull out the protective grommet, and refit after adjustment.
View of timing marks on flywheel looking through clutch housing aperture
To check the centrifugal advance operation, first disconnect and plug, or clamp off the vacuum hose between distributor capsule and T.I.V.
Check centrifugal advance characteristics are as follows:
crank rpm crank ° (±2°)
Below 1,000 nil
2,000 8°
3,000 16° (max)
Next, check and adjust the engine idle speed
Start engine and run up to normal operating temperatures.
Check that the air conditioning (if fitted) is switched off.
Adjust idle speed, at the stop screw, on the front of the rear carburettor, to 950 ± 50 rpm. Stop engine.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques