Setting the timing

How to set the timing on a TO 30?

There is a hole just below the starter, may have a plug in it. Through the hole you can see the flywheel.

Turn the flywheel until you see some numbers. Look closely and find the 6* before TDC, mark it with chalk or a white paint marker.

If the distributor has been out, you will need to pull the #1 spark plug, hold your finger over the hole, turn the engine until you start to feel compression. Slowly turn the engine watching for the mark to appear. Stop at the 6* mark. This puts the #1 cylinder in firing position.

Note! Before proceeding, check the distributor shaft for side play. If the shaft is loose, the points will not stay set. Check the centrifugal advance, it should turn a few degrees CCW while holding the shaft stationary, then spring back when released. If either are unacceptable, now would be the time to correct the problems, or replace with a rebuilt distributor.

Install the distributor so the rotor points at the #1 cap terminal. The primary wire connection is near the back, #1 cap terminal is close to the front, 1342 CCW is the firing order.

Once the distributor is in, looking at the points, rotate the distributor housing CCW until the points just close. Then turn the ignition on, ever so slowly rotate the distributor CW until you see the points spark and hear the coil fire. You may have to do this a few times to get the feel of it, but the goal is to stop turning the distributor the instant the points open, snug it down.

At this point the engine is "static timed". Not perfect, but close enough to run.

If you have a timing light, once running, at idle speed, adjust the timing until the 6* mark is in the center of the window.
Cap and Wires Orientation

Now that I have the timing set I thank you so much. Have you got some ideas on how to set the governor? Thank you

Adjusting the governor...

With the engine off.

Set the dash lever to idle. Look at the carb throttle shaft, the stop screw should be held firm against the stop boss.

Set the dash lever for fast, the carb throttle should be spring loaded in the wide open position.

Return the dash lever to idle, start the engine, carefully bring the RPM up. It should level off around 2000-2200 RPM.

If it doesn't level off, continues to rev as in runaway uncontrolled, there is a problem with the governor or the link between the carb and gov is out of adjustment.

If it tries to govern the speed, but is either over or under spec RPM, there is a U bolt clamp up above the generator. Loosen the U bolt, rotate the bracket on the rod until the RPM levels off at 2000-2200 RPM max. It may take some trial and error to get it right.

Let us know what it's doing if you have difficulty getting it right. Give details of the symptoms.