10-08-2019, 11:14 AM
To retard the timing, one turns the distributor in the direction of travel i.e. clockwise for an Austin 7. On manual advance cars, setting the timing to approximately 20 degrees full advance usually makes the spark at full retard after TDC. With Rubys, the advance curve is quite limited (8 degrees I believe, so, if you get the engine running at its best, it may very well run slightly before TDC at tickover. If the car is running well, then I should not be worried if it kicks back slightly when cranking it by hand. Just keep you thumb on the same side of the handle as your fingers when cranking it!