Got the whiz-bang timing light and, for the first time, I KNOW for sure where the timing is set. You guys are probably familiar with this kind of timing light but, although I had seen one, I didn't know how they operate. You only need ONE mark: on TDC. No need to read the numbers on the balancer, which in this case is impossible at least for me. From any timing setting, the light is shined on the timing marks and the "Advance" button is pushed repeatedly until TDC on the balancer is lined up with TDC on the pointer and the degree of advance is shown on the display.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
RPM is also shown on the display.
Previously, the distributor had been rotated to give best idle and vacuum, then retarded it bit. Initial at 675 RPM is 15* BTDC (crappy idle). With vacuum advance, and maybe some mechanical advance, idle jumps to 875 RPM at 34* BTDC. Haven't spun it up to get total but I suppose it'll be about 50*. Need to get initial plus mechanical set to 32-34 and see how that works.
I LOVE the new light!! If it lasts 50 years, like the Craftsman did, I suppose it'll be useless on all the electric cars.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)