The 'E' Type Forum

Excuse my naivety here but I’m not sure about setting my ignition timing after having the engine out and distributor removed. When I removed the distributor I marked it for fitment in the same position which I’ve done and the drive dog can only go in one way. Correct?
The Jaguar manual says the distributor should be fitted with the vac advance unit facing the block. My distributor was fitted facing away from the block as pictured. It has electronic ignition but I’m not sure of the type. Do I need to start from scratch following the manual or will it be ok as is?

Cheers,
Pete

Hi Pete.....I would start from sctatch...that way you will fully understand the setup. .its not difficult......first thing you need to do is to set no6 piston (front of car) at tdc when its on its compression stroke........you cant just rely on where the pointer is as its adjustable. ........do u know how to set the piston at tdc..........once you have this position set your pointer to the tdc mark on the pulley........yes your distributor can only fit one way as the drive dog on the bottom is off set......you static timing should be 10deg btdc ( check the manual for your setting)... turn the engine till u get to 10deg btdc again on no6 compression stroke......note the engine turns twice for one rev of the dizzy............So no 6 piston is ready to fire...so the rotor arm needs to point to the ht lead that will fire no 6......and the points replacement unit needs to fire ( as with points you can test with a lamp on the coil wire)...hope this helps...lets see if you follow this so far..........dont rely too much on what the service manual says about the position of the dizzy as this can be different if the dizzy drive was 180 deg out during engine rebuild.....Steve

Thanks Steve, didn’t get to it today as I was fitting the exhaust and tightening all the front suspension nuts and bolts etc. Should get to it tomorrow.

Cheers,
Pete

Ok, ignition timing sorted but much difficulty getting it running. It was heating up the front two and rear two header pipes (6 branch extractor manifold) so only running on two cylinders. No fuel in float bowls of front and rear carb. Needles stuck in their seats (from sitting idle for 12 months). Running smooth now but will fit new needles and seats.
Thanks for your advice re timing Steve.

Cheers,
Pete

Interested in the non-standard exhaust manifold . Was it expensive ? Will it improve performance ? Thanks .

Mark, extractors were fitted when I bought the car so unsure of any benefit. Onlookers are usually impressed by the sight of them though. Always gets a comment. They’re nicely made.