Spark lever's position makes no difference. WHY?

[Texas Tom]

My restoration project is nearly complete. I'm checking everything out and doing some tweaking.

Engine starts and runs just fine. However, moving the spark lever makes no difference in engine's performance. Thus, I can't 'retard' the spark.

Pulled the distributor cap and everything inside looks fine.

I've never heard of this problem before.

Any ideas on why this is happening, and more important, how to fix?

[Patrick L.]

Gotta ask the basics.
Have the points been set to .020" [ .018-.022"]
Has the timing been set correctly at TDC [ with the timing pin] while the left lever was fully up ?
Does the left lever move the plate fully [or at all] ?

[Brian T]

Tom
With the cap off and somebody moves the lever do you see the distributor plate move ?, if yes then I would recheck the timing.

[Texas Tom]

Yes, the plate moves.

[Tom Endy]

Make sure you do not have a front timing cover from a B engine installed. This will throw off the static timing setting as the hole for the pin is not for a setting of top dead center. A B timing cover will have an elongated boss for the pin hole.

Tom Endy

[SteveB31]

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Your timing is too far advanced.

[Ed Saniewski]

I had the same problem a few weeks ago, Steve is right. The engine will start and run, when you advance the spark lever the engine will start to run a little rough because it is now really too far advanced. Be careful you don't damage your starter or the fly wheel gear.

[rocket1]

Crank and Camshaft gears alined correctly? when timing pin drops into hole is ##1 piston at top dead center with valves closed and rotor pointing to #1 at dist. body? with spark plug out you can see piston.

[c. sefton]

could your steering column need to be rotated counter-clock wise, this might be why you can't retard timing? just a thought, "fresh restoration"

[Smurkey]

Maybe you're expecting a more drastic change in performance than there is? Just a thought as if the plate is moving the timing is changing...even if it is out of whack you should notice differences when you move the spark rod...

[henry's 31]

I had something similar with my 31 Roadster Pickup. After checking the position of the linkage I discovered someone had drilled the control arm at the bottom of the rods and because of this moving the levels did not do anything. Purchased new control arms and bingo, I could retard and advance the spark. Hope this helps.

Henry's 31