I bought a 1969 Autobianchi Bianchini that will not start. It has fuel. I bought a new electronic 123 distributor and coil. Need to set TDC. Which cylinder is No. 1? Can I set without a Fiat timing wheel? Thanks (sorry for the stupid question - I'm a chevy guy)!

Hi, I personally can't help, others on here will chime in shortly. But welcome to the forum. Please post a picture of you car!
Rob

bradhoyt said:

I bought a new electronic 123 distributor and coil. Need to set TDC. Which cylinder is No. 1? Can I set without a Fiat timing wheel?

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Brad, the cylinder at the rear of the car is No.1 and the static timing for the 123 is done by using the built-in LED. When the engine is at TDC/ No.1, rotate the loosened distributor anti-clockwise until the LED under the cap just lights. If already lit, turn it slightly clockwise until it goes off and then anti until if goes on again.

General consensus of experienced hands seems to be that a strobe timing-light is most useful; there are timing marks on the chain-cover which can be highlighted. 28 BTDC is the aim at top-end rpm, but get the green LED right and you'll be pretty close. Some people recommend experimenting and going beyond 28, but with the 123 I would not do that. If you want a different maximum advance you should choose one of the distributor's preset timing-curves; I wouldn't bother with that on a standard engine.

The timing disc is useful for clarity and a nice thing to have, but it's not essential.

Some people will disagree with some or all of the above.

I would say that you are pretty well spot-on there young Peter.

the hobbler said:

I would say that you are pretty well spot-on there young Peter.

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..."pretty well." ? ....."young."....?