1947 Dist. questions
 

Hi All,
What is the best way to go about changing and setting points on a stock 47 flathead V/8 dist. ?


Thank you in advance for any info.

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

Take the distributor off the car. The camshaft is slotted for the distributor it will only go back in one way unless you force it. There is also a manual method for setting the points with a ruler. I believe it may be on Mac Van Pelt‘s website. If not someone here on the bar will have it.

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

RalphM is right about the strait edge method for setting the timing after you've changed the points. It's in Mac Van Pelt's web site under "Timing of the Ford Early V8 Distributor"

I've done it several times and it works great if you don't have a Sun or other type of distributor machine. You'll notice the there's an offset in the distributor shaft key which as Ralph mentioned only lets you put it back on one way without forcing it into the cam slot. I usually just turn it gently until it until it mounts flush with the block.

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

There is text that goes with the diagram:

These early V8 distributors (used 1942 to 48) were mounted to the front of the flathead engines. They were generally set for timing in a special fixture, but can be set in this way too.
Adjust the breaker gap to .014 to .016 inch. Make this adjustment by bringing a lobe of the cam under the rubbing block of the breaker arm, then loosen the gap adjusting screws and rotate the adjusting screw. The point sets do not open simultaneously; they must be set separately. Check with a feeler gauge.
Then put a rule against the tang on the wide side of the distributor shaft (note that the tang is offset) and rotate the shaft until the rule is set to the position shown. Be sure to measure from the mounting hole closest to the vacuum brake.
With the distributor shaft in the position shown, the left hand breaker points should just be starting to open. Note: the timing is controlled by these points only. If the points are not just starting to open, move the adjustment on the right side of the distributor down to advance the timing or up to retard it.
If the correct timing is not obtained on the first try, turn the distributor shaft back at least 1/4 turn to eliminate backlash and repeat the check.
Any difference in timing, that might be necessary due to grade of fuel being used, can be established by adjusting the vacuum brake. This adjustment does not change the basic timing of the distributor. A change in the spacing of the breaker points will change timing. However, the timing will generally be reestablished when the points are correctly spaced.
To adjust the vacuum brake, back off the screw until the engine pings on a road test under load. Then turn the adjusting screw in just enough to eliminate the ping. Tighten the adjusting screw lock nut.

This information is on VanPelt's site - http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...str-timing.htm

A lot of good information there.

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

Thanks! I had a hard enough time just trying to post the picture. :)

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

Thank you everyone for all the information.

Re: 1947 Dist. questions
 

Google knows a whole lot. Sometimes it is easy to find information that you need, and sometimes it involves going down the "rabbit holes", looking at various links and YouTube videos. Here are a few links that you can have a look at.


http://www.bubbasignition.com/crab-42-48.html


http://myflatheadford.com/advantage-dual-points/