Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I hadn't heard of this:https://www.hemmings.com/stories/tech-initial-timing-corvair-engine/

Sorry but that's old school.
He says it's when the points make contact but it's when they break contact.
This is only static to get the engine started.
When you get older it's easier than seeing the points start to break contact.
Anywhere between 5 and 10 degrees will get it started.
Once started strobe to fine adjust and check advance/retard at different revs.
Alan

Assuming that the American car he is describing is negative earth, with the same configuration as the Elan (positive feed to coil, coil grounded via the points), then article is complete nonsense. He has confused points open with points closed, and also the logic of when the test lamp comes on and goes off.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/u/david_c

Yes the detail in that article is wrong but at the end of the day I’ve found the method to be quite accurate for setting the initial timing accurately. Usually when checking afterward with timing light and engine running no further adjustment is required. I don’t bother with an indicator light. I just use a standard electrical multimeter set to the resistance range and so it beeps when it detects circuit continuity across the points. With the timing marks in the correct position and piston on compression stroke loosen the distributor. Turn it anticlickwise until you have continuity and then turn it clockwise until just the point where continuity is lost (ie points just open). Tighten the clamp. Job done

I just put my glasses on and ajust so i can see points are just opening.
It's near enough to get it started
Alan

If you set it accurately with a multimeter rather than just your eye you can have a high level of confidence that no further fluffing about will be required. Check with a timing light afterwards to be sure of course but chances are no further adjustment will be necessary.

Make sure of course when you check with a timing light that the engine speed is as low as possible (below around 750rpm) so the centrifugal advance is not coming into play

With eye is just to start and after when running dynamic at different speeds. To check avance/retard.
Most times when i have set by eye it doesn't need ajusting. But in a past life i was a qc engineer and have certain habits to adjust very carefully lol
Alan