Ignition timing

[vampire222]

Hi guys.

I found the probable cause of my engine problem. The earth cable from the ignition (with the solid steel cylinder going onto a steel braided thing onto the block(?). The entire thing came loose at where the cylinder part meets the braided part. Taped them back together with duct-tape in a very professional manner which will keep them together for now.

The thing is now OBVIOUSLY my ignition timing is buggered. How do i go about fixing this?

[honestjohntoo]

vampire222 said:

The thing is now OBVIOUSLY my ignition timing is buggered. How do i go about fixing this?

Assuming you have normal electronic ignition, the only way your timing could be altered is if the distributor has been adjusted/rotated. So the question is, what is that steel cylinder you are describing?

I suspect it is the capacitor, which on electronic ignition systems has the simple function of radio interference suppression and in its own right, plays little or no part in the ignition function. Just stops your radio, and other audio stuff, buzzing.

And, Yes, because there is an earth strap involved it must be properly connected to the block.

Is it possible you need to mug up on exactly how electronic ignition works and what each component does? If so read this

Make sure you click on, and download the PDF files.

If your timing does need adjusting you could move on to this

[vampire222]

The strap itself came loose where it connects with a iron cylinder (tiny like an inch long and half an inch across). Thats where the earth lead from the distributor and something else come together. So it's basically the Rover way of getting more earthing area.

And yes i will admit i messed about with the distributor rotor needle a little bit too much. so its deffo off.

Thanks for that site tho!