The Maestro 356Talk Classic Posts

Editor's Note:

Harry Pellow, aka The Maestro, contributed a wealth of information to the 356 Registry Talk List. This is one in a series of his contributions, all informative and all written in his inimitable style, that we're publishing here in the 356 Registry site.

SETTING TIMING

Get Thy butt to a Sears Store. Buy the Timing Light that has a Dial on it (goes from 0-60 degrees).

Hook it up, putting the Pick Up Clamp over the #1 Plug Wire (the Right Front) and the wire into the notch in the Clamp.

Fire up engine. Point Timing Light at Big Crankshaft Pulley. Pull trigger.

If nothing happens, drag a 12 V battery out and hook the Timing Light's wires up to it, remembering that Red is usually Positive or (+) and Black Negative (-). If the Battery isn't marked, the larger Terminal is Positive (a little known fact, but true.)

OK, timing light works? Rev up engine to 3000 rpm. Move Knob to get the "OT" mark on Pulley aligned with the mark in the Third Piece (watch in Amazement as the Pulley "Moves!"). Read off the Timing from the Dial on the Light.

Set High Speed Timing on the .050 to 33 Degrees.

Check the Idle Timing. It should be from 4-7 Degrees Advanced. If so, Good.

If too cheap to buy the Sears Timig Light, make the following marks on the Pulley:

1. 1.5 Inches to the Right is 30 Degrees Advance.

2. 1.75 Inches to the Right is 35 Degrees Advance.

Midway between the two marks is 32.5 Degrees Advance, which is pretty close to 33 Degrees.

(Note: Factory Spec is 35 Degrees (+/-2) High Speed Advance (>3000 rpm), or a range of 33-37 Degrees. I prefer the 33-35 range, NOT the 35-37!