j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Hi,
I want to check my timing. I can check it at idle, but how do I hold 3000 RPM while working under the hood? My 84 L-jet does not seem to have an accessible throttle control. Any tricks? I know it's probably a dumb question, but I don't have anyone to help me by standing on the gas pedal.
Thanks,
Dave

hacker-pschorr

This job requires the single most expensive addition you will ever add to your garage.

Mine is named: "Lorelei" and I paid extra for a German one

GregBBRD

Buy a timing light that reads out rpms. Hold the throttle open until you get to 3,000 rpms. Switch to timing mode. Way close enough.

69gaugeman

Two veterans with two elegant solutions....lol

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

The throttle on my car is down under the very hot spider and I don't se a way I can reach in there and hold it open, Greg. I cannot rely upon my wife to do this, so I may use one of those bar clamps set up to spread rather than clamp, and press between seat and gas pedal.
Thanks,
Dave

123quattro

Reach down behind the oil fill and under the first runner. The throttle linkage is pretty easy to get to.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I really tried to reach it, but couldn't. Anyway my spreader clamp on the gas pedal worked fine. A 2 x 4 cut to length and wedged between the seat and gas pedal would also work, and you can use the electric seat fore and aft controls to adjust speed.
ANYWAY:
The reason I was checking timing:
I just finished TB/WP, green wire replacement, alternator replacement. In spite of checking my work many times before buttoning up, the car ran like crap when I first drove it. I had moved the distributor a little to get to the green wire screws, and marked the old position with a magic marker. I would say I was 1/8" off on the adjustment arc. When I set timing to factory specs, the car is like a ROCKET again. (I exaggerate, but it's fine again.) My point is, the timing is very, very sensitive, so be super careful if you move distributor. I didn't realize how much.
Good luck, and thanks for all the help,
Dave

GlenL

You solved it to your satisfaction. Congrats!

My approach is simple: reach under the spider and rev it up until the reading stabilizes. The 3000 RPM number is a point after which the mechanical advance is "all in." Earball 4000 RPM and it's fine. The spider is warm, or hot, but won't burn you.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Thanks. I guess I'm a chicken.

The Fixer

and you can use the electric seat fore and aft controls to adjust speed.

very smart and great post Dave.

3000 rpm when standing over the motor is a real rush!

Glad to read you got her running well again, sounds like your 928 is fit as a fiddle.-Matt

WallyP

A few years ago, I found a leg from a camera tripod in a yard sale for twenty-five cents. It is small, light, and telescopes with lever locks. One end on the throttle pedal, other end on the seat back, adjust and lock. Very handy.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I was thinking: Can I advance the timing 3-4 degrees at idle, and run premium gas, to improve performance? For my car the WSM says 4-8* BTC at idle with vacuum hose removed. This gives 20*BTC at 3000 RPM. If I set idle timing to 10* BTDC I assume the 3000 RPM will go to 24* or so. I would reset the idle speed to 650 RPM, and have a little more pep? Mileage would suffer a little, but my drives don't put on that many miles. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Dave

hacker-pschorr

Mine brings beer......

123quattro

Yes. Mine is advanced about 5 degrees over stock. I run 93 and have never had a problem. Car has been beat on in 100F weather without issue.

The Fixer

What year 928?, Dave's is an '84, no knock sensor..