Timing and Rotor marking sense check

If you have any doubt about the position of the timing marks on the alternator rotor - ignore them.

Fit a timing disc to the crakshaft. Find TDC and set timing disc pointer accordingly. Rotate back 28 degrees. Remove tining disc and fit outer primary cover. Mark rotor to match the scale in the cover.

If it's keeping you awake at night, I'd suggest getting hold of a genuine period rotor and matching it up against yours.

As standard on the Commando, the woodruff key slot will be at around 6.30 when the pistons are at top dead centre.

Makes me wonder if you have a non-standard crank, a repaired one, or even an Atlas crank.

For example, on an Atlas, the woodruff key slot will be at around 11.30 when the pistons are at top dead centre.

With the newer ‘welded’ rotors that have two timing marks (your 69 would have originally had only one line) you should be timing off the mark opposite the woodruff key.

Bear in mind that Lucas stopped manufacture in the 1980s. This is a 'far eastern' manufacture under licence. I have never relied on the woodruff key slot on the crank (or rotor) as any timing mark. Use a timing disc and find TDC and  your 28 timing point yourself to be sure.

…..and then mark rotor clearly to line up with the 28 mark on degree indicator. Sorted.

Leave the rotor timing  mark at that 28° you found from the degree disc, then transfer this  onto the factory fitted degree plate using the same rotor timing mark, you may find as I did that it is indicating 31°  not 28°, that is what I time my Combat to.