Terry Grant

This is a low-tech, low-budget, do-it-yourself approach to setting the ignition timing on any engine that has a battery-powered ignition system. "Low-tech" does not mean "inaccurate." With some simple tools and some practice you can set the timing to within 1/2º. This procedure will work on all engines with fixed or throttle-coupled timing, and some that use computer-controlled timing. It will not, however, work on engines with magneto ignition. By knowing where your engine is timed, you will always be able to return the timing to the same place if you have to take the engine apart. Approximately 50% of the engines we receive at C.H. Electronics with "Make it run" instructions have incorrect timing. We have to wonder how many thousands of engines are out there flying around with timing so far retarded that they aren't