Triumph · 1970–1977The Stag Archive

How-To & Repairs / Ignition

Setting the ignition timing

How to check and set the ignition timing on the Triumph V8 with a strobe. The Stag is timed on the No. 2 cylinder — an important detail that catches out owners used to timing British engines on No. 1. Correct timing protects the engine from detonation and preserves running.

Tools needed

  • Timing (strobe) light
  • Feeler gauges and small spanner set
  • Vacuum plug for disconnecting the distributor advance line
  • Clean rag and light for reading marks

Parts needed

  • Any consumables required by the workshop manual (e.g. plug/points/condenser if renewing at the same time)

Warnings

  • The Stag is timed on No. 2 cylinder — not No. 1. Do not assume.
  • Do not print or rely on a generic advance figure. Use the value in the official Triumph workshop manual for your engine number and market.

Steps

  1. 01. Warm the engine and prepare the timing marks

    Bring the engine to full operating temperature so the ignition system is set at its working state. Clean the crank pulley timing marks and pointer so they are clearly visible with the strobe.

  2. Owner-uploaded photo slot
    Timing marks cleaned and highlighted. The crank pulley timing marks and pointer, cleaned and easy to read.

  3. 02. Connect the strobe to the correct cylinder

    Connect the strobe pickup to the No. 2 cylinder plug lead. This is the point most commonly missed — the Stag is timed on No. 2, not No. 1. Timing on the wrong cylinder will give a completely misleading reading.

    Warning:Confirm you are on cylinder No. 2 before making any adjustment.

  4. Owner-uploaded photo slot
    Strobe pickup on No. 2 lead. The strobe pickup correctly clamped on the No. 2 cylinder HT lead.

  5. 03. Disconnect and plug the vacuum advance

    Disconnect the vacuum advance line at the distributor and plug it, so you are setting base timing at the correct engine speed without any vacuum contribution.

  6. 04. Set to the correct advance figure for your car

    Confirm the correct base advance figure and engine speed for your specific engine number and market from the official workshop manual, then rotate the distributor until the strobed timing mark lines up on the pulley.

  7. 05. Reconnect vacuum, road-test and re-check

    Reconnect the vacuum line, take the car on a light road test and listen for detonation ('pinking') under load. Any pinking on the correct grade of fuel is a signal to re-check the setting rather than compensate with more retard than the manual specifies.

Related faults

No directly linked fault-finding entries yet.

Further reading

Figures and procedures should be confirmed against the official Triumph workshop manual; for safety-critical or specialist work, consult a specialist.

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