Total timing, which refers to the maximum amount of ignition timing applied to the engine, is easy enough to calculate. You get the number by adding initial timing to mechanical advance.

How do you calculate total timing?

Total timing, which refers to the maximum amount of ignition timing applied to the engine, is easy enough to calculate. You get the number by adding initial timing to mechanical advance.

Do you set total timing with vacuum advance?

It’s important to mention that checking the mechanical advance with a timing light should always be done with the vacuum-advance canister disconnected. If the canister is not disconnected, the readings will be a combination of initial, mechanical, and vacuum advance.