Reliant Rebel 700 1967 Workshop Manual page 99

5. Do not disturb the clamping bolt unless the ignition
timing is to be adjusted.
6. Refit in reverse order.
Ignition timing (700cc engines)
Incorrect ignition timing can cause rough running, poor idling,
excessive fuel consumption and poor performance. In extreme
cases engine damage can result. It is, therefore, vital that it should
be correctly set. In order to facilitate this, two marks are stamped
on to the crankshaft pulley face (Figure 4).
One mark indicates the TDC position, the other 10⁰ BTDC. A
pointer is cast in to the timing chain cover. The engine rotates
clockwise (viewed from the front). Two methods can be used for
adjusting the timing, static or dynamic.
Figure 4 Timing marks
1. Timing pointer
2. TDC mark
3. 10° BTDC mark
Method 1 - static
1. Rotate the crankshaft in a clockwise direction until the
10° pulley mark is aligned with the pointer on the timing cover
(Figure 4).
2. Remove the distributor cap and connect a 12 volt bulb
between the low tension terminal and a good ground. With the
ignition switched on, the bulb will glow when the contact breaker
points are open.
3.
Slacken the distributor clamp bolt and rotate the
distributor clockwise as far as possible.
4. Switch on the ignition and apply light finger pressure to
the rotor arm. Turn the distributor body slowly back until the bulb
lights.
5. Tighten the distributor clamp bolt.
6. Check the timing by rotating the engine two revolutions
in a clockwise direction, observing the relative position of the
pointers, until the bulb lights. The 10° mark should be aligned with
the pointer on the timing cover.
7. Turn off the ignition, remove the test lamp and
reassemble all parts.
Method 2 - dynamic
1. Connect the leads of a "strobe" timing light in
accordance with the maker's instructions.
2. Check that the pointer on the timing cover and the
notches on the front pulley are visible. Mark the pointer and the
10° mark with chalk, "Tippex" or similar.
3. Disconnect the vacuum tube from the distributor and
plug the end of the tube with a suitable plug to stop air being
drawn in.
4. Start the engine and allow to idle at normal tick over
speed. Aim the "strobe" light at the timing marks taking care not
to contact the spinning fan. Ensure that the 10° mark is aligned
with the pointer. If the mark is to the left of the pointer the
ignition is too far advanced. Slacken the distributor and turn
slightly anti-clockwise to retard the ignition until the marks align.
If the mark is to the right of the pointer then the ignition is too far
retarded. Turn the distributor slightly clockwise until the marks
align. When the marks are correctly aligned, securely tighten the
distributor clamp and re-check the timing. Stop the engine.
5. Disconnect the "strobe" light and refit the vacuum tube.
Ignition timing (750cc Engines)
These engines do not have the vacuum advance so the timing is
differently specified. If for any reason a vacuum advance
distributor is fitted, time as per the 700cc engines.
Method 1 - static
1. Rotate the crankshaft in a clockwise direction until the
TDC pulley mark is aligned with the pointer on the timing cover
(Figure 4).
2. Remove the distributor cap and connect a 12 volt bulb
between the low tension terminal and a good ground. With the
ignition switched on, the bulb will glow when the contact breaker
points are open.
3. Slacken the distributor clamp bolt and rotate the
distributor clockwise as far as possible.
4. Switch on the ignition and apply light finger pressure to
the rotor arm. Turn the distributor body slowly back until the bulb
lights.
5. Tighten the distributor clamp bolt.
6. Check the timing by rotating the engine two revolutions
in a clockwise direction, observing the relative position of the
pointers, until the bulb lights. The 10° mark should be aligned with
the pointer on the timing cover.
7.
Turn off the ignition, remove the test lamp and
reassemble all parts.
Method 2 - dynamic
1. Connect the leads of a "strobe" timing light in
accordance with the maker's instructions.
2. Check that the pointer on the timing cover and the
notches on the front pulley are visible. Mark the pointer and the
TDC mark with chalk, "Tippex" or similar.
3. Start the engine and allow to idle at normal tick over
speed. Aim the "strobe" light at the timing marks taking care not
to contact the spinning fan. Ensure that the TDC mark is aligned
Page 99