Ignition Timing - Jeep CJ-3A Owner's Manual

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IGNITION TIMING.

The breaker points should be cleaned and adjusted to .020" (0.51 mm.) opening. Remove all the spark plugs except
No. 1. Rotate the crankshaft until No. 1 piston is coming up on the compression stroke which can be determined by
the resistance in the cylinder. Remove the spark plug and continue to turn the engine slowly until the mark
flywheel is in the center of the timing hole in the flywheel housing at the right rear. This places the piston in the
correct position to set the ignition.
Loosen the distributor clamp and rotate the distributor assembly until the distributor rotor arm points to No. 1
terminal in the distributor cap and the distributor points just start to break. To advance the timing, turn the distributor
in a clockwise direction; to retard it, turn in a counterclockwise direction. Tighten the clamp screw firmly but do not
over-tighten it.
The engine firing order is 1-3-4-2.
After setting the timing, revolve the crankshaft two complete turns, to make sure all backlash is eliminated, and
check the timing to the flywheel 5° mark.
Ignition timing must be accurately set to obtain maximum efficiency given only to enable the operator to place the
vehicle back in service should trouble develop. At the first opportunity, have your Willys-Overland Dealer check the
setting with a neon timing lamp which can also be used to check the automatic spark advance operation, by
accelerating the engine.
FIG. 7—DISTRIBUTOR
1—Condenser
2—Lubricating Wick
3—Breaker Arm Pivot
4—Breaker Cam
5—Distributor Points
6—Oiler
7—Adjustment Lock Screw
8—Adjusting Screw
FIG. 8—TIMING GEAR MARKS
on the
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