I was checking the timing on my '74 4/4 today and noticed that it seemed really advanced (like 20 degrees plus) at idle. Measured with my timing light. SO I decided to check the static timing and set the pulley timing mark to 8 degrees (not quite sure what it should be but got to be somewhere around there!). When I took the distributor cap off the points were fully open. When I set the points to just opening by adjusting the distributor body the engine wouldn't start! So I put the distributor body back to it's original position. Engine runs. I started to turn the distributor to retard the ignition but got to the point where the engine stalled so would need to adjust the idle speed. I've no experience of these carbs so left that to another day. The only thing I can think of is that the pulley is not marked correctly. Are they marked from the factory? The mark does look like it's been made with a cold chisel! I guess I'll have to check the TDC position but that involves degree wheels and dial gauges. It got me back from Bristol last week although I did think it pinked a bit. Left me a bit confused.
