2.25 petrol ignition timing

Just failed am MOT on emissions, I haven't looked at the engine properly since I bought it, been too busy with the gearbox, so decided I need to give it a tune.

I've looked up the engine number, should be 8:1, so according to the book I should be at TDC on the strobe.

Putting the strobe to it, I'm way of clockwise (advance direction I think?) in front of the timing marks, I have to increment the gun to 20 degrees to get it on tdc.

Seems very far out, I wonder if this is deliberate because of better fuel?

While you might be correct on the engine coming originally with an 8:1 head, it might be that the head that is currently on it aint a 8:1 head. Worth checking that, if it is a 7:1; that might explain your timing.

Otherwise, overtime the engine couldve been worn that much, the previous owner adjusted the ignition to accomodate for this. Lots of (stupid) reasons the ignition might be changed. If it failed emissions however, i wouldnt say its better on fuel!

How would I check the compression ratio of the head (other than busting out the burette!)?

I've slackened the pinch bolt under the dizzy but it wont turn at all, I've tried pretty hard. Ah I missing something else that would be locking it in place?

sorry! also i've managed to pull this connector for the condenser out from somewhere but can't seem to see anywhere obvious that it came from!

Chonker said:

How would I check the compression ratio of the head (other than busting out the burette!)?

I've slackened the pinch bolt under the dizzy but it wont turn at all, I've tried pretty hard. Ah I missing something else that would be locking it in place?

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some heads it should be stamped on, i believe if one of the head bolt seats is raised; this indicates the possibility of it being an 8:1. However i would use google to find the specific teltale signs, or wait on another member with more experience than me.

http://www.retroanaconda.com/landrover/2010/03/series-iii-workshop-manual/ As for the electrical, i would use something like this to figure it out. I have a diesel so no distributor for me

I found this picture that shows it, that was not obvious!

Still can't rotate the thing to affect the timing though.

Chonker said:

sorry! also i've managed to pull this connector for the condenser out from somewhere but can't seem to see anywhere obvious that it came from!

Click to expand...

Coil?

it's the red one in that image, goes into the bottom of the same connector that has the one from the coil, which was a bit surprising to me!

I still can't rotate the dizzy, so I guess i'm stuck with the timing i've got for the moment. Hopefully fiddling with the carb can get me under the CO limit for my MOT retest

The plate with the pinch bolt is held down to the block with one or two screws, take them out and you can lift it out to see what the problem is. Mark where it was.

Tbh I just get it running and then do it by ear, advancing until there's a bit of detonation rattle and back it off until it stops.