ignition timing

This is a shortened description from the Holden service manual if you do not have a timing light.

1 Make sure points are set between .012 in and .016 in before setting ignition before adjusting timing.

2 Remove distributor cap and turn motor in a forward direction by hand until the rotor is approximately at No 1 terminal on cap and then turn further until the timing mark(ball) on flywheel is over the index mark. This is the correct position for firing on No 1.

3 Loosen bolt on distributor locking plate and set scale on "zero"

4 Loosen the distributor clamp just sufficiently to allow turning of distributor to be turned.

5 Turn ignition on and remove centre high tension lead and position it so as to form a spark gap. Make sure the points are closed and turn distributor in an anticlockwise direction until the points "just" open and a spark occurs at the gap. Tighten distributor clamp screw.

6 Check the timing setting by turning the motor over at least two complete revolutions and make sure a spark occurs when the index mark is over the ignition timing ball on the flywheel when the rotor is under
No 1 terminal on the distributor.

I hope this is not too confusing.

Keith