Ignition timing and Tracking data

[div6926]

Hi all,

I have just bought my first Triumph, a 1971 Herald 13/60 convertible and have a few questions while I wait for my Haynes manual to be delivered, these are;

1.  What should the ignition timing be set at using a strobe? It is currently at the first small pointer above the large pointer (Drivers side) and what is each graduation? Diagram would be helpful.

2.  The tracking is out but my local Tyre specialist does not have the figures/specs to make the necessary adjustments.  What toe in/out etc should it be set to?

Any help greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance,

Dave.

[Clive]

timing "about" 8 degrees, I think each point is 2 degrees, However, with the cars being designed a long time ago, fuel etc has changed. Best method is to set the timing by ear/feel. Find a long gentle hil, and drive up it. Stop every now and again, advance the timing a bit until you get "pinking" (sounds like a tin of nails being shaken) and then you have gone too far. Back off just enough to stop the pinking under light load.

Tracking, I believe is parallel to a degree or so toe in. I set mine to parallel, no tyre issues so far :)

Oh, and welcome to a steep learning curve of Triumph ownership :) Get along to a club meeting (any triumph club, whatever is nearest, no need to join usually until you have decided you like what you find)

[Casper]

Front tracking is 1/16" toe in, but modern garages work in degrees, and I'd love to know what that translates to.
As a point of interest you seem to have a GK type engine, sometimes known as a large crank engine.
C.

[div6926]

Due to the car running rough/poor I have leaned the mixture using colortune as the plugs were sooty, adjusted the Dwell to 60 degrees (previously 69 deg) and set the ignition timing to approx 8 Deg using a timing gun wth the vaccum disconnected @ 850RPM.

The car seems to be running a lot better but there is definately room for improvement. I have driven the car and advanced the ignition in attempt to get it to pink as you guys suggested, problem being i have been unable to get it to pink under load.  Adjusting the knurled wheel is advancing the timing as i have confirmed this with a timinig light.

The timing vernier plate on the engine has 11 pointers with a large pointer in the centre, I'm unsure to the value of each graduation.

As I still don't have a manual (It's on order), any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Dave.

P.s - Casper, many thanks for the file you sent, I'm sure it will help in the future.