Here"s the procedure to set static timing. Works on any engine with points (except magnetos). 1. If you"ve taken the distributor off, verify that the rotor points to #1 terminal when #1 cylinder is at TDC. 2. Set the point gap, as gap affects timing. 3. Set the distributor to the full retarded position (turn it to the end of the adjust range in the direction the rotor turns). 4. Crank the engine around until the timing marks line up (doesn"t matter whether or not #1 is on compression at this point). If you go past the timing mark, go all the way around again. This is to ensure that you"ve taken up any slack in the drive gears/chain so it doesn"t affect timing. 5. Connect a test light from the low (points) side of the coil to ground (a meter works also but a test light is easier). Leave the distributor cap off to make sure the engine can"t fire. 6. Turn on the ignition. The test light should be off (shorted to ground by the points). 7. Slowly turn the distributor in the advance (opposite the way the rotor turns) direction until the test light comes on, which indicates the points have opened. 8. Turn off the ignition & put it all back together. This procedure is a lot more accurate than eyeballing the points to see when they open, and just as easy. Keith
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