a little help needed setting timing on a GT40

[ally606]

I recently changed the rotor and cap on my GT40 and when I got round to trying to start the boat for the first time this year, it would not fire. Initially I thought it was just the plugs oiled or soaked with fuel so I cleaned them up, and tried again. No luck.

I doubted if I put the leads on correctly so I moved them all round one place after looking at a firing order diagrams showing #1 as being immediately after 12 oclock on the cap. and hey presto the engine is now running. I want to take the time now to check the base timing. Can anybody tell me what the static or base advance is and if there is anything to be disconected to check the timing? I also assume (hope) the crank pueely is notched for 0 degrees and also the base advance.....

Thanks for the help. And yes before you ask, I am aware it is August and no I haven't but the boat in the water yet - something to do with a small baby and absolutely no spare time!!

[WakeSlayer]

RE: a little help needed setting timing on a GT40

is this an MPI engine? If so, I don't believe you can adjust the timing. It is controlled by the ECM.

[ally606]

it's the efi engine. Yes the timing is contriooled by the computer but the base timing is done in the good old fashined way I understand.

[core-rider]

I believe the base timimg is 10 degrees, but don't hold me to that. On Ford vehicles with similar EFI setups there was a "spout" connector that had to be removed to set base timimg. (basically like unplugging the vaccume line form older engines) but I don't know if PCM used a similar setup or not. Best bet is to check your owner's manual.

[bchesley]

The GT motor does have the spout that needs to be pulled prior to setting it. I thought initial was 5 on the that motor but you can dowload the manual from this site to make sure. Go to downloads and get it.

[DanielC]

My manual for my boat (1997 GT-40) says to disconnect the spout connector, and set the timing at 5 Degrees BTDC, at 2000 RPM.
It you did not move or rotate the distributer when you changed the cap and wires, you should not have to set the timing.

[eseybold]

5 degrees BTDC @2000 rpm with spout plug off - I just did mine on my GT 40.

[ally606]

great, thanks for the info. Eseybold, is the pulley notched at 5 degees BTDC? I've got a crappy timing light that doesn't dial in the advance or retard, instead it relies on the pulley being appropriately marked.

[DanielC]

You could just get a cheap plastic protractor and carefully make it yourself. Here in the states, you probably can find one at any school supply section of most stores.