B20B Ignition issue

[lelshaddai]

I started at 16 btdc at idle using Ron's advice. Did seem to run better than 10. Either whether at 10 or 18 it topped out at 36 at 2500 rpm. Because of the type of distributor (retard) I can only run mechanical advance. I will try out the above given advice in the other posts today.

[swedishandgerman]

Originally Posted by lelshaddai

Here is a pic of the dizzy. If anyone has a correct or better one for sale please contact me.

I don't even recognise an 086 distributor. The best thing you can do I think is to set it at about 38 degres at full, then check again what it drops back to at idle. It doesn't make a huge amount of difference what the curve in between is like.

If it pinks at 38 degrees under load, then you need to turn it back. If it feels like it needs more, give it more. Just don't let it pink.

All said, if the thing has either a jammed or floppy shaft, that needs sorting first.

[lelshaddai]

I do have a question on the cap. Most other types of cars I have worked on the cap has a tab that locks it in place. This cap just sits on the distributor and snaps in place. Is that correct? Seems to me the cap could rotate with the engine vibration and change the timing.

[swedishandgerman]

Originally Posted by lelshaddai

I do have a question on the cap. Most other types of cars I have worked on the cap has a tab that locks it in place. This cap just sits on the distributor and snaps in place. Is that correct? Seems to me the cap could rotate with the engine vibration and change the timing.

No, that's not right. The cap should have a tab.

Ron - if you're reading this, I looked back through the thread on the other forum you kindly provided a link to and you put up some details in German about B20 distributors. By chance, do you have the same for B18 distributors?

[lelshaddai]

I am working on this as we speak. At 3000 RPM’s I did get it to 36°. Then at idle it falls back to 16°. The distributor shaft turns clockwise and springs back just fine. There is a very slight play in the shaft when you try to pull it up and down or side to side but I don’t know how much is OK. It is very slight. I think I will go ahead and replace the so And rotor since it Does not have a tab to hold it in place. With the adjustments it is a very cold start. And runs very rough until it warms up. Even with the choke out.

[Ron Kwas]

s&g;

I only have B18 in data form and am still looking for it graphically for the different B18 Dist variations...my intent is to publish both after I clean them up...

Cheers

[lelshaddai]

So this is where I am at. I oiled the dizzy shaft and dialed in at 37 degrees at 3000 rpm and 15 at 700 rpm idle. Light, very little, movement in the timing marks. Drove car at 70mph/113kpm and could not feel much hiccup at all. Performance seems to be very good. Temp stayed below the 192f/89c the whole time, eventhough it is only 92f/33c outside right now. We can get to over 115f/46c outside. You guys are a great resource, really appreciate the help. I will test a few other things you recommended. I will search for the correct 078 distributor. Any further thoughts would be great.
Jim

[arcturus]

Here is a dizy list. Couldn't find an application for 086. only 085 & 087

[lelshaddai]

The 087 seems to be close it has the 22 degree advance. That is what I have. It is for the B20E

[lelshaddai]

According to that chart it looks like I am looking for a
Bosch 0231.146.078 or
0231.146.099