Managed to finally get the car started and it ran bad. Sounded like timing was way out and I found out why. The timing plate on the sump was missing.

Is it possibble to set the TDC and 10deg BTDC without the plate (Calc it)?

 

Basically YES.

The fact it is running means the timing is NOT that far out in the big scheme of things,

Slack off the locknut on the adjuster peg at the front face of the distributor, and with the engine running, slowly move that peg with a screwdriver until the engine "sweetens up", which is something you hear/feel with experience.

Alternatively, remove the #1 spark plug from the "A" bank and hand turn the engine until the compression stroke is reached, then with a SOFT wire probe down the hole, CAREFULLY continue winding the engine until TDC (Top Dead Centre) is reached. That obviously give TDC, so mark whatever you need to mark, and go around again until you come up on #1 compression stroke and stop 10deg before by a pre determined marking that can be made.

The TDC is what I use to initially fire these engines up, and fine tune the timing by ear with that adjuster peg. I have been with Jaguars since 1968, and the ear is pretty good.

I have a paper in the laptop about doing the timing on a HE, and the basics is the same. If you want it, let me know your email so I can send it to you.

 

Thank you. I may have overstated running. The timing is that far out I need to be foot flat the whole time to keep her running.

So far Ive got TDC with 1A cylinder. Ive moved the crank about 8 to 10 degrees BTDC.

After that I took the distributor cap off and using the adjuster screw and loosening the base im still 5mm off the timing mark.

Looks like the distributor isn't even in the right slot.

I will keep all posted.