Technical Correct timing with 123

Labman · Dec 5, 2015

Guys,

I have a 123 installed on my '70 500F. I'm reading through the threads here but I'm still confused. I want to time my engine with a strobe light to get it just right. Right now under load (like going up hill) I have a slight ping in the engine which is telling me my timing is off. How do I time it with a strobe light? What marks do I use to get it just right?

Bambino · Dec 6, 2015

What fuel are you using?

ULP is harder to ignite than its old fashioned leaded cousin.

Chris

Labman · Dec 6, 2015

Regular unleaded but I add a lead substitute. Runs great but it's pinging a bit under load. I just want to be sure it's timed properly.

Bambino · Dec 6, 2015

All else being equal, pinging or 'pinking' is usually due to preignition which suggests that the timing needs to be slightly retarded.

Chris

Labman · Dec 7, 2015

Bambino said:
All else being equal, pinging or 'pinking' is usually due to preignition which suggests that the timing needs to be slightly retarded.

Chris

OK. So I turn the distributor clockwise or counter-clockwise to retard?

Bambino · Dec 7, 2015

To retard the ignition rotate the body of the distributor in the same direction as the rotor is turning.

If as you look at it the rotor is turning clockwise, then if you rotate the body of the distributor in the same direction the rotor will make contact later in the cycle.

Chris

Labman · Dec 12, 2015

Bambino said:
To retard the ignition rotate the body of the distributor in the same direction as the rotor is turning.

If as you look at it the rotor is turning clockwise, then if you rotate the body of the distributor in the same direction the rotor will make contact later in the cycle.

Chris

Wait... I don't have a distributor per se. I have a 123. How do I know which way it is turning?

Bambino · Dec 12, 2015

This is my 123ignition setup.

If you have the 'wasted spark' type with no rotor or cap, the principle is still the same. To retard the ignition, the distributor body needs to be rotated in the same direction as that of the rotor or sensor which, in the case of the 500/126 engines, is clockwise as you look down on the top of the distributor.

Post a photo of your installation.

Chris

Labman · Dec 20, 2015

Bambino said:
This is my 123ignition setup.

If you have the 'wasted spark' type with no rotor or cap, the principle is still the same. To retard the ignition, the distributor body needs to be rotated in the same direction as that of the rotor or sensor which, in the case of the 500/126 engines, is clockwise as you look down on the top of the distributor.

Post a photo of your installation.

Chris

A slight turn clockwise worked! Thanks!

Bambino · Dec 21, 2015

Glad you got it sorted.

Merry Xmas,
Chris

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