Federal Elan Static Timing

[terryp]

Hello
I'm getting myself a little confused with this . The workshop manual says 12 degrees BTDC and Miles Wilkins says 5 degrees
What should it be?

Also the car seems to lack top end power, unable to rev much more than 4500 to 5000 rpm
Is it possible that my valve timing is 1 cog out?

The timing marks were both just below the surface of the top of the head, the engine has only done 32000 miles and the head has never been skimmed.

Thanks
Terry

[m750rider]

I don't have my manual in front of me but I think the 5* BTDC is the recommended timing for the emission engines with Strombergs. 12* is for non emission engines.

I have a 1969 S4 SE with Strombergs, originally a Federal (US) emission engine set up with crossover pipes, which I removed long ago. I run a static timing of about 12* BTDC and the engine responds much better,with improved idle speed, much better throttle response, and improved power. I also adjust the needle to make it run a little richer.

My car is not driven daily and in my state is not inspected for emissions compliance.

Bob
1969 S4 SE
45/8842

[69S4]

Yes, you're right - the workshop manual says 12 degrees BTDC for the Federal version and St Miles says 5. Which one did you go for?

Re revs, or rather, lack of, I'd be looking at bob weights and carb diaphragms to start with.

[terryp]

Thanks Bob for the info, Stuart - I went for 12 degrees but I think 5 degrees is correct
No wonder its running a bit funny

I am begining to think it all has to be exactly US spec or all UK spec , any half way house will not work.
So for the moment US spec and I will begin to try to find the UK bits to convert.

Thanks

Terry

[alan]

hi Terry,
have you checked what Dizzy is fitted to your car
Alan

[terryp]

Alan
Yes , its the US spec Vacuum advance one

Terry

[Galwaylotus]

What's critical is total advance rather than static timing. Make sure the total advance is correct and then see what your static timing is as a result.

[RogerFrench]

Alan
Yes , its the US spec Vacuum advance one

Terry

If it's US spec (Federal) then it's vacuum retard not advance. Fitted to Stromberg carbed, emission controlled engines.

[terryp]

Oops retard then, but it's the one with the vacuum

Is it possible to use this distributor with a more UK set up i.e remove the cross over pipes, butterflies, capsule?

Thanks

Terry

[RogerFrench]

Oops retard then, but it's the one with the vacuum

Is it possible to use this distributor with a more UK set up i.e remove the cross over pipes, butterflies, capsule?

Thanks

Terry

Yes you can. I had quite good results doing that and disconnecting the vacuum on my Federal Europa Twin Cam. Static advance around 10deg to start with, then advanced a little more, road test, a bit more, more road test, then backed off when I got pinging. Somewhere around 13 deg static seemed OK, but as I couldn't get a.steady reading (worn springs, advance mechanism) I eventually got a new distributor.