In the context of the thread the -5 degrees mentioned was taken as being 5 = degrees AFTER TDC - the initial posts said 10 to 5 degrees BEFORE TDC = (which has been taken as being a positive number) Agreed on the timing wanting to be after TDC for starting. The frame of = reference just wasn't the same :)=20 >>> plp@ACTCOM.CO.IL 04/29/02 04:33PM >>> > start and run the engine with -5 degrees of advance? Yes you can but you will need a very good starting arrangement, like compressed air or a gas generator or a strong spring or such. Forget ticking it over by hand. It will backfire on you every time and start backwards given a chance (2 stroke). sorry for the long post, but I felt that I owed an answer, Peter -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details. -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.