Setting ignition timing on the Hillman Super minx. Will it improve performance?

[@glynluff2595]

I have just been doing the same job in U.K. model. I have a saw tooth timer and I understood the first mark of that was zero with second 5 and third 10 degrees. I guess the marked pulley has zero as a long mark looking at the manual. I had to remove the fan belt to mark my divisions with a kids paint brush! Happy motoring!

[@everything-hillman66]

Yeah you are right. My car is a break down import and assembled in NZ. The ist saw tooth is 0 or TDC, the 2nd is 5 degrees and the 3rd Is 10 degrees. I have mine set between 2nd and 3rd tooth, around 8 degrees.

[@brycechessum4684]

A bad timing chain could throw the timing out at high rpm, car seems to get along ok

[@everything-hillman66]

Thanks Bryce, yeah I don't know when or if it has ever been changed.

[@MrShadownoise]

@@everything-hillman66 Unless it rattles I'd be surprised if yours is worn. It's a very short loop of chain from crank to camshaft, not like modern OHC/DOHC. I replaced mine when I did a full engine rebuild, but it really didn't need it despite oil quality having been badly neglected by a previous owner. Reason for the rebuild was very worn bores and low compression, at just 65k mls. After I got stopped twice by police for the breather smoketrail I didn't have much option. But the camchain, cams and valve gear, crank bearings and shells were still all OK.

[@everything-hillman66]

@@MrShadownoise thanks for the commentl. Have had the car out on a longer drive and rechecked the timing, which hasn't changed.

[@MrShadownoise]

Once you have static timing set, use the vernier to make fine adjustments a turn or two at a time. Drive a bit, see how it is then, adjust. Keep advancing, but retard if you encounter pinking (a faint metallic rattle that indicates pre-ignition under load - bad!).. You'll find the optimum. Modern fuels are a lot different from the 1960's leaded stuff with little or no alcohol.

[@everything-hillman66]

Thanks for that. I was getting some picking slightly under load when the vernier was adjusted to the second mark. The vernier is more like around the ist mark now and hopefully no more pinking. I will take it out on a longer run to double check, but I am pretty sure it us set right now. Thanks for watching.