Timing a v12 with no timing marks!

[TheDampMan]

I am in the process of replacing my opus ignition with a HE Conversion Kit.

So far I have turned the engine clockwise until the rotor arm is on the 1a cylinder contact, on going under the car to check the timing marks on the front damper, it appears the timing pointer bracket has been rubbing the damper to the stage where there are no marks left to see!

Any thoughts on best way to proceed?

Thanks
Steve

[MarekH]

The timing mark is on the face of the damper, not the pulley. It is a groove cut into the face of the damper and has the script "1A" also cut into it. You may be able to see it better if you smear some thin white paint on to the front face of the damper and then wipe the excess paint off.

Once you establish TDC for 1A, then I'd mark a new line on the damper and attach a new plate from an XJS somewhere more convenient than below the bottom of the oil cleaner.

kind regards
Marek

[TheDampMan]

Thanks for relay Marek, sorry for wrong explanation yes I am looking for timing marks on the damper not pulley.
I have tried rubbing the face of the damper down with wire wool now also tried your paint trick but I still cannot see any marks it certainly looks like the timing pointer bracket has worn off the marks that were on the damper.

[jagwit]

Two solutions that I can think of:
1) borrow a pulley with timing marks; Once you have set the timing with the borrowed pulley, you should never again have to set the timing unless you had to remove the dissy for some reason.
2) Use a dial gauge with a long pin through the plug hole on top of the piston to determine TDC of 1A. You would need to do this anyway because the plate that mounts to the block has adjustable holes and you will need to have the crank at TDC to correctly position this plate.

[42south]

Hi
Be careful if using a dial gauge to set TDC. Do not turn the engine backwards as you may damage the timing chain tensioner.
Use the double stop method, plenty of posts on the subject.
Cheers

[TheDampMan]

Thanks all for reply’s, my new ignition is now fitted the car starts first time hot or cold so my starting issues hopefully are now sorted.
Going back to the timing and having no marks on the pointer or damper, on removing the old distributor I noted the exact position of the rotor arm and fitted the new distributor to that mark and all seems well up.

I might play around with advancing/retarding the ignition to see what effect that has on the road, any thoughts tips on trying that?

[jagwit]

I might play around with advancing/retarding the ignition to see what effect that has on the road, any thoughts tips on trying that?

I would encourage you to do so. You won't easily break anything.

Consider that "the book" specs are not necessarily the best for the engine, its what was needed to meet the emissions regulations - OF THE DAY.

These low compression engines typically tolerate A LOT of advance.