by Ferrous_Head » Fri Jun 05, 2020 8:42 am
The steepness of the dome isn't a problem. I have use piston position indicators for years. Dial gauge type the easiest and best
In any case, whatever one you use at this stage you are merely confirming that what you think is true, is true. Or not.
I expect that if you use am indicator you will see a solid line in the middle of the window, as you should.
After you have started and run the engine and checked the timing, if the timing HAS changed, that solid line will no longer be in the middle of the window.
You will find the engine runs reasonably well if it's within 5 degrees of optimum.
45 degrees BTDC may not, in fact, be optimum for your particular engine. There are several factors that come into play for the "optimum" timing on an engine. The quality of the fuel for example. Your engine was originally set up to run on leaded 100 octane "super" fuel. My guess is that you haven't had access to that for years.
"I know only too well the evil that I propose, but my inclinations get the better of me."