Should the points gap have been adjusted BEFORE doing this....if no light available use a cigarette paper between the points...when the points open enough to let go of a cigarette paper is the same as when the light would go off....
@MrStubat Yes, the point gap should be adjusted first! The cigarette paper (or any light paper) will get you in the ballpark.. the timing would be slightly less than 10 degrees, but that should work reasonably well, yes! If your eyes are very good, you can also just look at the points to see when they just begin to open.
Just tried this on a 1973 bgt couldnt figure out what i was doing wrong. I tried a test light and a continuity tester. I ended up giving up because even when the points were wide open the light stayed on. Other times even when the points were closed the light stayed on. My continuity tester meaured a gap when the points were open BUT ONLY WHEN THE DISTRUBUTOR WAS OPUT OF THE CAR! John can you please tell me what I did wrong. I even ran a wire back to the positive end of the battery.
To take the guess work out of what socket size you need to turk the crank, it's a 1-5/16. you may also need a reducing socket adapter to fit it to your standard rachet wrench. GREAT VID THANKS!!!
John, I'm very nearly at the stage where I need to do this, but am an electrical moron, when you say 'something hot' could you be a little more specfic please? Thank you,, and please keep the vids coming, they're saving me money!
The easy way, I feel, is to instead of using a light, do the following:
Take off the distributer cap.
Turn the motor to the correct position using the timing mark.
Turn the ignition on for the car.
With the clamp for the distributer loosened, turn it counter clockwise far enough that the points are closed, then clockwise until you see and hear a spark.
To answer your question, something hot means something live - basically is connected to the positive side of the battery (+12v).
My 1970 MGB was running a little rough so I gave this tip a try, and I'll be damned! The car is running in tip-top shape! Thanks for another great tip Mr. Twist. Keep them coming!
Should the points gap have been adjusted BEFORE doing this....if no light available use a cigarette paper between the points...when the points open enough to let go of a cigarette paper is the same as when the light would go off....
MrStubat 1 year ago
@MrStubat Yes, the point gap should be adjusted first! The cigarette paper (or any light paper) will get you in the ballpark.. the timing would be slightly less than 10 degrees, but that should work reasonably well, yes! If your eyes are very good, you can also just look at the points to see when they just begin to open.
TheFRiNgEguitars 1 year ago
John Twist you're brilliant and I love you !!!
john289 2 years ago
Thanks, very informative, will be doing this tomorrow, a big help
Tom
HotRodTom47 2 years ago
tappets are noisy on that engine john and with the video for setting up hif carbs did u swap for a richer needle and readjust the carb :p
good work
redsparrow2k 2 years ago
John Twist is an asset not only to the MG community..but to anyone who considered picking up a wrench.Thanks for sharing Mr Twist....
2mgbs 3 years ago
Muy lindo ! ; gracias ,desde argentina !
bellinivernon 3 years ago
Just tried this on a 1973 bgt couldnt figure out what i was doing wrong. I tried a test light and a continuity tester. I ended up giving up because even when the points were wide open the light stayed on. Other times even when the points were closed the light stayed on. My continuity tester meaured a gap when the points were open BUT ONLY WHEN THE DISTRUBUTOR WAS OPUT OF THE CAR! John can you please tell me what I did wrong. I even ran a wire back to the positive end of the battery.
joness105639 3 years ago
Can you do this with both electric and point
ignitions? And what would connecting to something "Hot" be in this case?
Mujabar 3 years ago
To take the guess work out of what socket size you need to turk the crank, it's a 1-5/16. you may also need a reducing socket adapter to fit it to your standard rachet wrench. GREAT VID THANKS!!!
edesir 3 years ago
John, I'm very nearly at the stage where I need to do this, but am an electrical moron, when you say 'something hot' could you be a little more specfic please? Thank you,, and please keep the vids coming, they're saving me money!
bazuk7 4 years ago
The easy way, I feel, is to instead of using a light, do the following:
Take off the distributer cap.
Turn the motor to the correct position using the timing mark.
Turn the ignition on for the car.
With the clamp for the distributer loosened, turn it counter clockwise far enough that the points are closed, then clockwise until you see and hear a spark.
To answer your question, something hot means something live - basically is connected to the positive side of the battery (+12v).
Agouti 4 years ago
THANKS JOHN!
scheese 4 years ago
My 1970 MGB was running a little rough so I gave this tip a try, and I'll be damned! The car is running in tip-top shape! Thanks for another great tip Mr. Twist. Keep them coming!
bpad 4 years ago
John twist ROCKS!!!
joness105639 4 years ago