Setting the ignition timing (VAZ-21051)

Marks for setting the ignition timing

To check the ignition timing, there are three marks 2, 3 and 4 on the timing mechanism cover and mark 1 on the crankshaft pulley, corresponding to the TDC of the piston in the first and fourth cylinders when aligned with mark 4 on the cover. Initial ignition timing angles for different engines and gasolines used (see subsection 3.7).

1. Connect the "+" clamp of the stroboscope to the "+" terminal of the battery, the ground clamp to the "-" terminal of the battery, and connect the clamp of the stroboscope sensor to the high-voltage wire of the 1st cylinder.

2. Mark mark 1 on the crankshaft pulley with chalk for better visibility. Start the engine and warm it up so that it runs at minimum idle speed.

3. Direct the flashing beam of the strobe light at the pulley and check whether the position of the mark 1 on the pulley corresponds to the ignition timing angle values (see subsection 3.7).

4. To adjust the ignition timing, stop the engine, loosen the distributor mounting nut and turn it to the required angle. To increase the ignition timing angle, turn the distributor housing counterclockwise, and to decrease it, turn it clockwise.



5. Then check the ignition timing again.

6. If you have a diagnostic stand with an oscilloscope, you can also easily check the ignition timing using it, following the instructions for the stand.

7. Install the ignition distributor removed from the engine in place in the following order:

• remove the distributor cap, check and, if necessary, adjust the gap between the breaker contacts;
• turn the crankshaft until the compression stroke in the first cylinder begins, and then, continuing to turn the crankshaft, align mark 1 with mark 3;
• turn the rotor to a position where its outer contact is directed towards the contact of the first cylinder on the distributor cap;
• holding the distributor shaft from turning, insert it into the socket on the cylinder block so that the centerline passing through the spring clips is approximately parallel to the centerline of the engine;
• fasten the distributor to the cylinder block, install the cover, connect the wires, check and adjust the ignition timing.