Rick said:
What is best way to check the TA at 3200 RPM?
You can use one of two methods:
.... a digitally advancing timing light as you increase RPM.
.... a degree marked off harmonic balancer and a standard strobe style timing light as you increase RPM.
Want to be sure I understand this correctly. I only own a basic timing light for base timing.
You can use the standard strobe style timing light for setting BASE, looking at the progressive and for looking at the TA.
In fact, I prefer this style because it allows us to see Real Degrees in Real Time.
With the second method, am I understanding correctly that the harmonic balancer would be marked off with Total Advance degrees.
The balancer would be marked off in degrees, which will represent any ignition timing advance (per RPM).
This will include the the range where total advance will occur.
Your engine is a standard LH rotation ( CCW when viewed from the flywheel end ).
As you look at the front of the engine, the harmonic balancer will turn CW.
You will see the TDC markings, both on the harmonic balancer and on the timing tab.
Any degree of advance will be to the right of the TDC mark.
In other words, if you install a timing decal (aka timing tape), the ZERO will align with the TDC mark, with the additional degrees to the right..... or CW from the TDC mark.
With the engine running, the strobe light will illuminate the markings before the #1 piston reaches Top Dead Center.
After you set BASE advance, you will increase RPM as you continue to strobe the marks.
You will see the system advance.
As you reach the "Full In" RPM (should be around 3.2K rpm), the system will stop advancing.
That will be your TA (total advance).
The index on my engine only goes to ~12 degrees if I recall correctly?
Yes.... that is why you need to add marks or apply the timing degree decal.
NOTE: the diameter of the balancer will determine which decal you purchase.
SO, I can not check TA with my standard strobe and my current harmonic balancer, correct?
Your strobe light is OK, it's the markings that will need to be extended up to approx 35 degrees.
Or is there a method of marking more degrees on my harmonic balancer?
Yes, either by:
a...... transferring degrees onto it
b...... applying a degree decal
c...... purchasing an indexed balancer
...... When put the light on it late last week, it went past the scale at 2000 RPM. I backed off of it because I was confused.
Yes, if marked to 12 degrees only, as you increase RPM the ignition will advance past 12 degrees, and off your scale.
You simply did not have enough degrees on the balancer to see where the advance was at that RPM.
By the way..... if you apply the timing decal, be sure to solvent clean the OD of the balancer before applying it.