i know how to check and addjust timing but my question is when i check it I get like 18 degrees btdc... but when i check it with the est disconnected it reads what i set it at... is that normal?

i thought your are susposed to check it with est still connected and it should read what you set it at.

 

that is normal, with the ESC disconnected you are getting the actualy timing setting, with the ESC connected you are getting the engine timing, plus whatever the computer is adding. which you typicaly at idle will end up around 18* or 20* or somewhere in that neighborhood.

 

ok good cuz i heard that if its way off then the engine is making up for missed cylinders spark or something like that! thanx