How to make a timing tape
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'''Making a semi-permanent timing tape is very easy, and removes any doubt as to where the timing marks are or were supposed to be- provided that:''' | '''Making a semi-permanent timing tape is very easy, and removes any doubt as to where the timing marks are or were supposed to be- provided that:''' | ||
| − | '''1.''' You know (or verify) that the "0" degree line on the damper and the timing tab actually correctly represents "0" degrees (TDC). | + | '''1.''' You know (or verify) that the "0" degree line on the damper or balancer (henceforth to be called a "damper") and the timing tab actually correctly represents "0" degrees (TDC). |
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Once the circumference is known, 1/10 (10%) of this figure represents 36 degrees. Half of that is 18 degrees, half again is 9 degrees, etc. It doesn't matter what units are used to measure the circumference- metric, inch, or nanoparsec's. | Once the circumference is known, 1/10 (10%) of this figure represents 36 degrees. Half of that is 18 degrees, half again is 9 degrees, etc. It doesn't matter what units are used to measure the circumference- metric, inch, or nanoparsec's. | ||
| − | If you like precision, you can go this way, measure your damper's diameter, let's say it's 8 inches, first find the circumference, multiply 8 X 3.1416 = 25.1328, now to use a more accurate measuring system let's go metric, multiply your circumference of 25.1328 inches times 25.4 to convert to | + | If you like precision, you can go this way, measure your damper's diameter, let's say it's 8 inches, first find the circumference, multiply 8 X 3.1416 = 25.1328, now to use a more accurate measuring system let's go metric, multiply your circumference of 25.1328 inches times 25.4 to convert to millimeters, which would be 638.37mm, now divide this by 360 and you'll get 1.77, this means that a mark on the tape of 1.77mm equals one degree, 17.7mm would be 10 degrees. |
When marking your home-made tape, starting from "0", BTDC will be to the right, ATDC to the left of "0". | When marking your home-made tape, starting from "0", BTDC will be to the right, ATDC to the left of "0". | ||
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They cost more than a standard light, but if you plan on tuning engines beyond the basics, it will pay for itself in the long run, IMHO. | They cost more than a standard light, but if you plan on tuning engines beyond the basics, it will pay for itself in the long run, IMHO. | ||
| − | You can also measure the length between the timing tab marks and transfer them onto tape, i.e. if there's 3/4 of an inch (0.750") representing 10 degrees on the tab, two marks 3/4 of an inch (0.750") apart on your tape will also be ten degrees. | + | You can also measure the length between the timing tab marks and transfer them onto tape, i.e. if there's 3/4 of an inch (0.750") representing 10 degrees on the tab, two marks 3/4 of an inch (0.750") apart on your tape will also be ten degrees. This will work- provided that the timing tab is correct for the application and not for a different diameter damper. |
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