After reading Jim's views on time engines below, I will add my views. If using points (contacts) in a distributor then the most accurate way to measure the point?s gap is to actually measure the dwell angle with a meter. An icorrect dwell angle will affect the ignition timing.
All initial timing (prior to first time start up) should be done statically but the final ignition timing should always be checked with a timing light. For dual ignition systems, the timing should be checked on both systems. The one that fires first is the real timing setting. On dual systems there should not be much variation unless it is by design, some systems fire one spark plug before the other to ensure a uniform burn in the combustion chamber, in this case it is critical to ensure that the correct spark plug lead is on the correct spark plug. It has been my experience that incorrect timing can affects: - engine temperature - fuel consumption - power/performance - engine wear, in severe pinging cases, actual structural damage to pistons, valves and heads regards Barry Kruyssen k...@bigpond.com ---- Jim Faughn <jfau...@socket.net> wrote: http://members.sockets.net/~jfaughn/kr/uniquepartsofmykr/kr_vw_timing.html
