74 FJ40 timing issues

[piecemeal]

Attempted to adjust timing following the directions in the Nov/Dec 4WD Toyota Owner magazine and couldn't reproduce results. Followed directions to the T, but BB was no where to be seen in the timing window. Is it possible that the distributor was rotated 180 degrees yet somehow is letting the engine run?? Also, after loosening the 12mm bolt on the distributor, it doesn't let the distributor more much at all. Is that normal or not?? Danke.

 

[D'Animal]

Have you checked your points under the distributor cap and set them correctly before you tried to adjust the timing?

 

[piecemeal]

yesiree. Took distributor off, filed points, plugged vacuum advance hose, marked BB w/ flourescent paint, loosen distributor bolt hooked up timing light and rpm gauge, then.... nothing. No BB in timing light window

 

[D'Animal]

Did you set the points or just file the crust off?


If I remember correctly, they should be set at .018" on your 1974 engine.

Dwell is 41 degrees.

 

[piecemeal]

no, I didn't how do you do that?? sorry newbie.

 

[3doghouse]

If it runs well, find a digital timing light you can borrow to find where its set.

If it runs poorly, distributor is probably off a tooth. Find TDC, pull distributor, and re-install.

The distributor should be easy to move with the clamp bolt loosened. Make sure you're loosening the clamp bolt, and not the hold-down bolt. In the picture below, you want to loosen the silver one, not the one that goes in the other hole:

 

[3doghouse]

no, I didn't how do you do that?? sorry newbie.

Since you're a noob, welcome aboard!

Here's your official newbie courtesy link before we start harshing you about using the search function: https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/187214-swapped-points-no-start-pic-where-i-set-gap.html

 

[D'Animal]

There is an adjustment screw at the points. Pull your coil wire (safety precaution only). Rotate you engine until the points find the "High" lobe on the rotor. This is when the points are open. Loosen the screws holding the points. Don't take them out, you may drop one under the vacuum advance.

Stick an 0.018" feeler gauge in there and adjust them until the gauge is snug between the contacts, but not moving the points.

 

[piecemeal]

very helpful. I was loosening the hold down bolt, thus no travel in the distributor when I tried to turn it. It does run pretty good already, but I want it to be just right, you know??