Section : Engine

2000 Timing Settings

Posted By : Gary Shaw, 14-Dec-2003, 12:53pm

1973 Triumph 2000 with engine number ME087341HE and using Castrol Valvemaster plus with unleaded petrol.

I am having trouble getting the timing right on this car. As it is my everyday vehicle I wonder if someone could offer assistance. Currently it is set to 8 degrees before, according to haynes settings but the car does not feel right.

Any suggestions (helpful please) would be most welcome.

Many thanks

Gary

Followups :

2000 Timing Settings

Posted By : John Macartney, 14-Dec-2003, 08:22pm

Gary
Try retarding it a bit to 10 or 12 BTDC. OK you've got valvemaster plus in the fuel but are you running ordinary or super unleaded?
The other adjustment can be on the vernier screw to fine tune things.
What are the symptoms that make you feel "its not quite right?"

John Macartney
- 2000 Timing Settings
  
  Posted By : Gary Shaw, 15-Dec-2003, 09:11pm
  
  Hi John
  
  I am running ordinary unleaded, would super be any better ?
  
  Basicaly the car feels under powered and sluggish. I know it's a heavy old beast but other ones I have tried seemed to have more get-up-and-go. It feels like it's holding back. Also, going up hill in overdrive 4th there is no hint of pinking even under heavy footed acceleration, I would have expected some pinking at that point. Could this mean it is too far retarded perhaps ?
  
  Many thanks for your help.
  
  Gary
  - 2000 Timing Settings
    
    Posted By : John Macartney, 15-Dec-2003, 11:42pm
    
    Gary
    
    Before you do any fiddling, try half a tank of super unleaded. It might make a difference. Some people swear by it - others say no difference at all.
    If everything remains the same, have a go at advancing things a bit. It's very much a question of trial and error.
    Do have a very careful look at your dizzy. If there's any slack in the rotor shaft in that it's tending to run in an elipse, this will cause probs.
    Have you had your head converted, are you running the correct needles and jets, any vacuum leaks.
    Keep me posted to jonmac@ndirect.co.uk - it's a bit less tedious than logging on like this, though you might want to post to the site as well.
    
    Good luck
    
    John
    - 2000 Timing Settings
      
      Posted By : Ian Shaw, 23-Mar-2004, 11:56pm
      
      Stromberg 150s. check your diaphragms !
      - 2000 Timing Settings
        
        Posted By : Steve Parsons, 25-Mar-2004, 07:42am
        
        Check the "bob Weights" in the distributor are not siezed. These should move under centrifugal force, if they are siezed this will cause the vehicle to be under powered.
        
        Good Luck,