Timing a 21A distributor in 59L
 

When I built the 59L engine I drilled a hole in the timing cover and mounted a pointer close to the crankshaft puiler, turned the engine over with the dial indicator on #1 piston to get TDC and marked it on the crankshaft pulley.
The 59L has a 1007B cam, so I wanted to check the timing and it seems like it was firing quite a bit before TDC.
With a regular distributor you disconnect manifold vacuum first. How do you that with the 21A, and if it is needed. The vacuum brake or vacuum line from the manifold to the timing cover ? I have an older timing light, not a newer dial back type. Thank you.

Re: Timing a 21A distributor in 59L
 

The vacuum brake should not effect timing at idle.

Re: Timing a 21A distributor in 59L
 

Thank you for that info. How about the vacuum line from the manifold below the carb. to the timing cover. Disconnect or not ?

Re: Timing a 21A distributor in 59L
 

What Jack said . Do not disconnect, vacuum brake shouldn’t make a difference at idle.

Re: Timing a 21A distributor in 59L
 

Thank you.