504 ignition timing question

[Pug72]

Hi all

The ignition timing on my 72 504 has not been checked in a long time....... a very long time. I recently installed new spark plugs, points and condenser and now I would like to check/adjust the timing.

Is it just a matter of turning the distributor anti-clockwise slightly to get more advance timing?

I always run 98 octane fuel and the car starts and runs very smoothly. Just under load taking off from lights I feel it is a slightly retarded and lacks a little power.

Thanks

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[driven]

Some discussion a while back
Ignition Timing Peugeot 504

[Wildebeest]

Pug,
Has your 504 got the degree plate on the timing cover? Some didn't, if so you can check the static ign timing by dropping a rod [screwdriver?] int the hole in the bell housing. This will align with the flywheel when engine is turned slowly By hand.
The timing at this point is when the points just open. This will correspond with the specified timing. Don't forget to remove the rod from the bell housing
If using a timing light, engine running, a figure of around 9 degrees on the plate should be OK.
If still in doubt a vacuum gauge can be used. I won't go into this.

[Pug72]

Yes I did read that, just looking for a more definitive answer regarding the rotation of the distributor in a anti-clockwise direction to advance the timing.

I don't have a timing light or vacuum gauge. Yes, the timing plate is attached to the timing cover. I'll look at that tonight to check the static timing.

Cheers

[Demannu]

Andrew, I have a couple of timing lights and a vacuum gauge you are welcome to come and use/borrow.

[Beano]

Yes, anti-clockwise to advance. And a 12 volt bulb is the only thing needed, really.....though timing lights are good for checking to see if the vacuum advance is working.

Get your crankshaft at the position you want, then attach a 12 volt bulb to earth and the live wire going to the distributor from the coil. Rotate dizzie anti-clockwise till light goes on.

A lot of older cars have had shaved heads (creating a pinging problem due to excessive compression), and as it is desirable for performance to have the timing advanced as much as practicable, I undo the clamp at the bottom of the distributor very slightly. Enough so that the distributor can be turned by hand, but not so much that it is actually loose.

With it like this, I go out on a test run, and during this I stop occasionally and keep advancing the ignition incrementally till the engine pings whilst going uphill under load (say, in 3rd gear)...then I retard it till it does not.

I'm sure you're familiar with pinging....that sound you would swear is metallic...sounds like a loose timing chain.

[Pug72]

Last night while the engine was cold I doubled checked the points gap (only been a week since I installed new points) and then rotated the distributor ever so slightly in a anti-clockwise direction. Well, today it was driving a totally different car! I might rotate the timing a little bit more this afternoon before I drive home.

Thanks for the advice.

[robmac]

Two drops of oil on the points rubbing block can often make a difference too.

[pugnut1]

Be careful not to advance it too far though