I want to check my ignition timing now that I've changed my points and rotor, and refreshed my carby. Finding it pretty hard to start since I don't know where I should be looking at!

I've just been reading my workshop manual to figure out how I can find out my ignition timing. I see the assembly and I'm looking for a little window, but I'm now thinking that I was told the wrong thing. I can't even figure out whether the timing cover is on the driver's side or passenger's side of the car!

At first I was thinking 'wow, this is unusually smooth - could it be a window?" I don't think its anything significant after trying to look at it.

IMG_1158_resize by Jackolow, on Flickr

Then I found this cover, and I opened it I figured that's just how I fill my clutch fluid.

IMG_1156_resize by Jackolow, on Flickr

I did find this though - I've put a white dot on the notch - can I use that to do my timing?

IMG_1161_resize by Jackolow, on Flickr
Regardless, I still am now very curious to know where exactly my timing cover is. I am lost. :\

Unrelated - what's behind this translucent cover?


IMG_1162_resize by Jackolow, on Flickr


IMG_1163_resize by Jackolow, on Flickr

Oh the other side of the car, it's covered up by vinyl

In the top pic that opens up to your flywheel. You DO NOT top up your clutch fluid through there. If you check through there there will be marks on the flywheel. You will need a mirror on a stick to check it.

In the second pic that is also how you can check the ignition timing. On my car I use the inspection cover on the flywheel to check the timing as I don't have the luxury of a balancer and a mark. Either way TDC should appear at the same point when lined up with either of these marks.

<edit> that first pic (or window) is actually a welsh plug in the block.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

It is a lot easier to use the mark on the crank pulley than the ones on the flywheel. No torch or mirror required.
And, if your flywheel has ever been lightened, its marks will probably be gone anyhow.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hahahaha i can't stop laughing at myself and how big of a fail my conclusion was, considering I had just check my fluid levels the other day, and was playing with the clutch master cylinder.

Cheers guys. I'll use a mirror to check whether the flywheel is matching up with the timing marks. Progress!

The balancer probably lines up fine. I merely mentioned it in case you wanted to have a look. The balancer is located by a woodruff key so can only go on in one position. Just hook up your timing light / 12V test light and time it from the balancer.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

What do those indentations indicate?

They would indicate TDC, 5°, 10° & 15°BTDC. You need the white mark you've painted on there to line up with what your manual says / distributor reconditioner says. I think standard is around 5°BTDC but I have had my dizzy recurved and I dial mine in at 8°. Depends on the car and the dizzy but the stock settings would be safe.

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina