Military-Vehicles: [MV] Slug timing M43

[MV] Slug timing M43

David C. Decker (campdeck@infomagic.com)
Tue, 09 Sep 1997 16:21:22 -0700

Howdy Haze. This may sound way off base to some folks, but it has worked
for me at times when following the timing marks with a light and doing it
by the book just does not work.
First find TDC-compression on #1 cyl. Easy to do, just remove the plug
and crank it over with your thumb over the spark plug hole feeling for
compression. If you have the valve cover off, you can doubly make sure by
seeing that none of the valves are open on that cylinder.
Then check to see if the timing mark actually and accurately shows the
indication of being on #1TDC-compression. There are any number of reasons
why it may not be. If it is not, then mark the flywheel as TDC. You can
then use a timing light from there OR use that mark for a beginning point
and see how the engine starts and how much power you have under load.
If it starts very easily, assuming that EVERYTHING else is correct then
you are in the ball park. If it is too retarded, you won't have any power
under load, so you will need to advance it. Gradually do this, not many
degrees at a time and test again. If your first adjustment is too far
advanced, you will notice it right away with the engine firing too soon
and 'kicking back' while cranking. If this is the case, back off the
timing. A bright crayon or your girlfriend's bright red nail polish
works well for marking the timing.
What you are looking for is easy starting (not too far advanced) and good
power under load (not too far retarded.) Make small adjustments, go climb
a grade till it feels right.
A couple other things to consider here. Changes in altitude demand timing
changes. So does the octane of the fuel you are using. Treat your ride to
a high octane fuel and/or octane booster and see if that helps.
Be sure everything else in the ignition system is right on, like the
spark plug wires going to the right plugs, the gap set correctly and the
correct polarity of wires on the coil. Some of the simplest things can
screw it up, re-check everything and establish a base to work from.

The altitude thing usually gets me. I live at 7000+ feet and travel to
lower elevations all the time. I cannot depend on the timing light to
make the engine run most efficientily, so I have remarked the timing
marks to suit the engine (and myself)

Let me know if this helps. In the absence of a dwell and timing light, or
under unique circumstances, playing it by ear sometimes works. Just don't
move the timing very much between check runs and listen to the engine
sounds at startup and under load. Good Luck.

Dave in Flagstaff
M715
M274
etc.

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