Thu Jan 11, 2018 2:47 pm by 1975IH200
"Base timing" or "Static timing" is where the distributor is timed to the crankshaft without any influence of the vacuum or centrifugal advance.
When you set the distributor timing to a setting when the vacuum advance canister is disconnected and capped and the engine is idling at an engine speed that is lower than the centrifugal advance starts to advance, that is your "base timing".
Or some call it "static timing" because you can set this when the engine is not running. Simply put an ohm meter probes across the points in the distributor and then set the engine timing marks where you want the static timing to be with cylinder #1 coming up towards TDC compression stroke, 5° BTDC for example. Then rotate the distributor until the points break conductivity (via the ohm meter reading) then set the dizzy hold down bolt tight. That is your "base" or "static" timing.
NOTE: this is NOT IH specific. It is the same for Chevy, Ford, Mopar, Toyota, VW, whatever. Distributor timing is distributor timing. You should be able to find this type of info on any old car enthusiast forum.
Last edited by
1975IH200 on Thu Jan 11, 2018 2:52 pm, edited 3 times in total.
My Junk --> 1975 IH Model 200HD, 1 ton 4x4 truck, 392, 4 speed, etc.
My cave location --> Western North Carolina