My HPE VX has 3 timing marks on the crankshaft pulley - 2 dots, one on either side of a line. I presume the line is the TDC No.4 cylinder mark and the others are 10 degrees BTDC and ? I've just replaced the vacuum advance/retard unit on the distributor (it's the same as a Fiat Uno's by the way!) which has obviously been US for some time now, and I set the timing with a strobe light connected to No.4 on what seems to be the 10 degrees BTDC mark when idling at 1,000 RPM, but now the car is pinking at 130kph and above. We can only get 93 RON fuel here at some altitude on the Transvaal Highveld in South Africa.
How should the timing be set?
HPE VX Timing marks
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Keith Turner
Re: HPE VX Timing marks
The timing marks on Betas are renown for their inaccuracy best not to use them for the final setting
The usual trick with most versions of the twincam engine was to set it roughly so it runs & then advance the timing until it pinked slightly in the 'wrong' gear ie. foot hard down in 5th at 20 - 25 mph.This was usually the best setting or just back it off slightly if you are worried. I don't know if you can get octane improvers to add to the fuel Redline & Castrol market them or you could also fit a gizmo called a 'fuelsaver' these boost the octane rating by about 2 points - dont ask me how but they seem to work cost about 50 pounds UK, enter fuelsaver in your browser should bring up their site.
The usual trick with most versions of the twincam engine was to set it roughly so it runs & then advance the timing until it pinked slightly in the 'wrong' gear ie. foot hard down in 5th at 20 - 25 mph.This was usually the best setting or just back it off slightly if you are worried. I don't know if you can get octane improvers to add to the fuel Redline & Castrol market them or you could also fit a gizmo called a 'fuelsaver' these boost the octane rating by about 2 points - dont ask me how but they seem to work cost about 50 pounds UK, enter fuelsaver in your browser should bring up their site.
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Keith Turner
Re: HPE VX Timing marks
Website for fuelsaver is www.fuelsaver.co.uk interesting may help especially for low octane fuels
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Guy McDougall
Re: HPE VX Timing marks
Dear Keith,
Thanks for your input. Since we last wrote, I've discovered that the fuel pump filter was also partially blocked, and after replacing it, the car is no longer pinking, although it's a bit flat on pull away when hot - almost as if it's now a bit retarded (in more ways than one!).
I've yet to take off the cambox covers and check the actual TDC as you suggested, but will do so when I get aroundtuit.
I've used octane boosters on my high compression Beta Zagato before, but it's a hassle.
I've looked at the fuelsaver, and I'm going to try a different fuel brand (Sasol Dual Fuel) and see what that does too.
Kindest regards,
Guy.
Thanks for your input. Since we last wrote, I've discovered that the fuel pump filter was also partially blocked, and after replacing it, the car is no longer pinking, although it's a bit flat on pull away when hot - almost as if it's now a bit retarded (in more ways than one!).
I've yet to take off the cambox covers and check the actual TDC as you suggested, but will do so when I get aroundtuit.
I've used octane boosters on my high compression Beta Zagato before, but it's a hassle.
I've looked at the fuelsaver, and I'm going to try a different fuel brand (Sasol Dual Fuel) and see what that does too.
Kindest regards,
Guy.