Setting engine timing
 

Hi all, made all sorts of progress with the car and will mention some of it in other posts where I've been helped by you all. Now, engine timing. I plan to take this link as a guide. Is there other stuff I need to know?


MossMotors.com - Restoration Parts And Accessories For British Cars

The timing is too far advanced: sluggish off the mark and at 2K revs a whirring sound that isn't present in deceleration, and at no other time. Classic signs of timing being off, and too far advanced, right?

Assuming I'm right about the issue to resolve, any tips?

Thanks!

Your "whirring sound," could that be pinging? That's more like a rattle on acceleration than a whirring sound, and if you stick your foot in it the sound goes away. If that's your sound, then Definitely your timing is too far advanced.
(';')

An exact description! Like it.

Do you know: Anything tricky about altering timing on the XJ6? Anything from your experience to be especially attentive to?

Care has stock set up with no electronic ignition, so breakers and such.

I plan to follow the Bentley manual, and tips from the Moss Motors article, as well as the videos from University Motors (great MG site).

I set mine from the Bentley manual, not really too different from any other engine.

Clean or replace the contact points and set the gap accurately before you start the timing process.
Disconnect the vacuum hose to the advance capsule unit and suck on it to check diaphragm in the capsule is still ok. If you can suck "through" it you will have to replace the capsule.
Set the static advance with the pipe disconnected.

@Anjum. Thanks so much! That detail is just the sort of thing I'd miss. Working on this later today and tomorrow so likely back here needing more tips.