Setting the timing

Is it possible to set 6% before TDC without a timing light. I Have a new rotor arm, dizzy cap and leads all ready to go on. I want to check the static timing but am unsure if i can do this static or does the engine need to be running. Also i am aware i need to disconnect the vacuum hose and plug it. Where do i plug it on the hose side or the dizzy side if that makes sense.

As always any help appreciated.

Andy

You only need to plug the vacuum hose if using a timing light when the engine is running, you plug the rubber hose end you pull off the dissy.

You should not need to adjust the timing if changing dissy cap, rotor arm etc as it won't affect the timing, you only need to change/set the timing for you move or change the whole dissy.

I don't use a timing light to set mine, I advance it till the engine pinks under load the retard it a little till it stops pinking.

You can get it near by using the static timing then you do need to drive it or use a timing light to get it running right, you can hear if it's near when the car is a idling.

If you do adjust the timing, mark where is dissy is now set so you can go back to where it is or see how much you have moved it.

The timing does not have to be exactly at 6% + or - a degree will not make to much difference but see/feel how it drives..

Thanks Mark, My reason for asking was my car was running really rich, so much so that the spark plugs got completely coked up, also the dizzy cap had bad corrosion on the terminals and the rotor arm was corroded as well. The car does not cover many miles due to working away from home so spends most of the year locked away and i was just wanting to check things over that was easy before getting a mechanic to look if needed.

Andy