How to Adjust the Ignition Timing Angle of a Car?
2 Answers
Car's ignition timing angle can be adjusted using a vacuum gauge. During adjustment, it is necessary to refer to the data of the highest vacuum value of the car engine in the idle state. You can align the fuel supply point with the high-pressure pipe's fuel outlet according to the scale. The ignition timing angle is a parameter that affects the working performance of the car engine when it is in operation. The advance ignition of the car refers to the spark plug firing before the piston reaches the compression top dead center, igniting the combustible mixture in the combustion chamber. The angle of the crankshaft rotation from the moment of ignition to when the piston reaches the compression top dead center is called the ignition timing angle. The ignition timing angle that reflects the car engine's ability to achieve better power and economy is the optimal ignition timing angle, which is a very important parameter for the car.
Last time someone brought this up, it reminded me of my experience tuning carburetor cars in the 1990s. To adjust the ignition timing, you first had to locate the distributor, loosen the fixing bolt, and then slowly turn it with a wrench while listening to the engine sound. The position where the RPM was smoothest and most stable was the right one, and finally, you had to remember to tighten the bolt. After adjustment, you had to take it for a test drive—if you heard knocking during hard acceleration, it meant the timing was too advanced. The optimal angle varied for each engine; the old Liberation truck was around 8 degrees, while the Santana was about 15 degrees. Nowadays, fuel-injected cars can be adjusted with a computer, which is much more convenient, but understanding the principle is still essential to avoid messing things up.
