123Ignition Static Timing, Engine will not start Options

[SteveNMaine]

I just setup my carbureted 2056 with 123Ignition distributor and cannot get it started.

Basics: Compression is good, new dual carbs and there is spark.

I have read several methods of setting static timing,

Method 1: 123 manual says set timing marks at 0 TDC and turn distributor till light turns green, I did that, no Joy.

Method 2: Set timing marks at 7.5 BTDC and turn distributor till light turns green, I did that, it sounded more like it wanted to start but no joy.

Should I continue to advance the timing?

[Superhawk996]

The dizzy drive gear installation and proper position is covered in both the Haynes and factory manual

http://p914-6info.net/PDFs/Group%201%20Engine%20914-4.pdf

I’ll post some better pictures of a properly oriented dizzy drive gear shortly (within next hour) for your reference of what it looks like vs the grainy photo above

The bottom line is the drive is asymmetric - the smaller section goes toward passenger side and is angled about 12 degrees counter clockwise to the case centerline. The drive gear has 12 teeth - so being off 1 tooth advances or retards the timing by 30 degrees. Likewise - these often get installed 180 degrees off.


Note: this needs to be set at TDC of cyl#1 compression stroke (ie both valves closed)

Note: If you have to re-index the drive gear — Be careful when you pull the drive out. There is a thrust washer on the bottom that will stay in the engine under the drive gear. Hopefully you’ve seen this washer before and are familiar with it from the rebuild.

[SteveNMaine]

The dizzy drive gear installation and proper position is covered in both the Haynes and factory manual

http://p914-6info.net/PDFs/Group%201%20Engine%20914-4.pdf

I’ll post some better pictures of a properly oriented dizzy drive gear shortly (within next hour) for your reference of what it looks like vs the grainy photo above

The bottom line is the drive is asymmetric - the smaller section goes toward passenger side and is angled about 12 degrees counter clockwise to the case centerline. The drive gear has 12 teeth - so being off 1 tooth advances or retards the timing by 30 degrees. Likewise - these often get installed 180 degrees off.


Note: this needs to be set at TDC of cyl#1 compression stroke (ie both valves closed)

Note: If you have to re-index the drive gear — Be careful when you pull the drive out. There is a thrust washer on the bottom that will stay in the engine under the drive gear. Hopefully you’ve seen this washer before and are familiar with it from the rebuild.

Looking at the installation page it says the timing mark should be at 7.5* on the 1974 1.8, my engine is a 1975 2.0. Whitch mark should I be using?

[cassmcentee]

Here is a pic of how mine is installed, I believe I set it at TDC,,,