Still trying to get things right on my 1984 XJS, but I may be using the wrong timing mark when setting the dizzy back in. The manuals state to go to compression stroke (did that), then set to 10 degrees BTDC, (did that). started up fine but runs like crap.

So, pulled 4 plugs and can see the timing is not setting up right from reading the plugs. Did try to adjust the dizzy. So, since mine is a 84 with the 5.3 HE, and the sticker on the hood calls for 18 degrees BTDC, do I set the timing mark at 10 or 18 before putting the dizzy back in?

 

IIRC 18 BTDC is at 3000 RPM. I'm not sure what the static setting should be. Others will chime in.

 

Grant will chime in and tell you 10 is what you want so start there and drive time it to just below detonation.

But I'm curious just what you mean by "reading the plugs". Also, what are you aligning the dizzy with while you have the engine rotated to 10 BTDC?

Spec for your car is 18 BTDC @ 3000 rpm with vacuum disconnected and plugged so that will be all centrifugal advance and static timing. I assume the centrifugal contributes about 8@3000 but I don't have the service manual. Page 5-1 has a table of the centrifugal curve I believe.

If you're at 10 BTDC static and running but very poorly then I'd check to confirm your vacuum advance is working and that your plugs are all gapped correctly.

 

Here ya go, simple.

If something is lost in the translation, please ask, and I will sort it.

HE Tune up.doc

Refitting the V12 distributor.doc

Trimming the timing on a running V12.doc

Some of the scribe you will not need, and I feel you are good enough to by-pass that.

 

My only problem is that I do not have Windows office, I use a differant program. if converted to PDF file I can open them, will also check my saved files I may even have the documents already saved

 

By Reading Them, is just a metaphor, for looking at how the plugs look after removing.at example, are the black sooty looking, burnt, etc.

Have the service manual and workshop manual, manual states when putting distributor back in and engine has been turned, turn engine so #1 is on compression done that) , then complete rotation to 10 degree setting which would be static from how I read it (did that). Then make sure rotor is on #1 (did that), while holding the rotor to prevent rotation, place dizzy in lining up the #1 mark on pickup module with the rib on the rear to the cover plate.
But must be missing something, because I can tell from the plugs, they are black and sooty, which means the timing is off even though I tried to make adjustment screw on the dizzy.

 

OH BOY.

I have now gone to areas of a laptop that I NEVER knew existed, and scary is an understatement. Almost had me returning to the JD.

Here ya go in PDF format, IF I have done it right, haha.

HE Tune up.pdf

Refitting the V12 distributor.pdf

Trimming the timing on a running V12.pdf

Since you are such a nice guy, ENJOY.

 

You sound like me when I hit them dark scary places on the laptop

Thanks Grant, you sure have been a lot of help for this old man

 

You are more than welcome.

Dont let the V12 sense any fear from you, that will be fatal, coz the V12 will win.

 

Don't make eye contact with it whatever you do, it will viciously attack your wallet.

 

that I will never do, I will win this

 

Grant and some of the other long time experience ones know all I have been doing to mine for the past 2 or so years, have photos in my profile area, must say it has kept me busy and with my physical limitations I get done at a slow pace but get it done