Correct ignition timing gti8v??

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rutter123
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Correct ignition timing gti8v??

Post by rutter123 »

Bx gti 8v running bosch jetronic le3 xu9j2 with distributor.Running super unleaded.
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mat_fenwick
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Re: Correct ignition timing gti8v??

Post by mat_fenwick »

I'd simply advance it until it just starts to pink under load, then back it off a tad.
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Re: Correct ignition timing gti8v??

Post by rutter123 »

Thanx for that Matt, thats pretty much how it is set, the Haynes book of lies says 5 deg b4 tdc running "4star" 2 deg b4 tdc for unleaded.. The only way to get rid of the pinking is super unleaded running at 10 deg b4 tdc, maybe my dizzy is knackered? I believe these suffered with vac advance probs tho mine seems to be working ok?... alternatives available? 205? 405? Or would cpnsider a new one at reasonable price. For now its running well enough to hopefully make it to my new house in Lincolnshire next Monday, fingers crossed and AA card at the ready......

Or any parts numbers for the dizzy would be useful for a googly.
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mat_fenwick
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Re: Correct ignition timing gti8v??

Post by mat_fenwick »

I'd have thought that any problems with the advance (mechanical or vacuum) would mean that it *doesn't* advance as much as it should, and hence be less likely to pink, but who knows? No problem to check the mechanical advance by revving it with a timing light on, but less easy to check the vacuum advance!

If you Google Distributor Doctor they have a good reputation, so it may be worth getting a price for rebuilding yours? Or at least testing it. Good luck!
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Re: Correct ignition timing gti8v??

Post by bx petrol auto saloon »

Dear rutter123,
You can definately check to see if the vacuum advance is working or not, just by following the rubber vacuum advance pipe back from the distributor to where it is connected to and pull it off from its connector and suck on the rubber pipe to move the vacuum advance diaphram, that is usually attatched to the side of your distributor :)
It would be best to check this whilst the engine is not running, so that you can hear ( when you remove your tongue ) from the end of the vacuum pipe. you should definately hear the vacuum diaphram, slapping closed again :wink:
The rubber diaphrams can become hard over the years and fail. A used one would probably be the easiest to get, at least you know how to check if the used ones you come across :) It is easy to replace 2 screws normally and a circlip inside :idea:
I hope this helps :D
Vince,
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Re: Correct ignition timing gti8v??

Post by rutter123 »

Hi Vince, it appears the vac advance is working, by both the sucking vacuum test and strobe light, only having a basic strobe it gives no indication of total timing so i dont know if its advancing fully, a new daiphram would certainly help, but it could well be the internals that are worn. For now its hopefully running well enough for a 130 mile trip in a few days.
90 BX Tzd turbo 294k SORN undergoing major surgery
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