[Purdy Swoft]

When the cam screw is tightened, make sure that ALL of the backlash is in the counterclockwise direction after the cam screw is tightened. Any backlash that remains in the clockwise direction will cause the timing to be retarded to whatever amount of backlash remains in the clockwise direction. Backlash in the counter clockwise direction will have no effect on distributor timing . I set mine with the trailing edge of the rotor tip pointing at the number one time in the distributor cap with No clockwise backlash after the screw is tightened . It may take a few tries to make this exact adjustment . It is always best to remove all of the spark plugs to remove compression . Points gap can either advance or retard timing . more gap advances , less gap retards Ford specs for points gap was anywhere from .018 to .022 . A gap of .018 is right on the edge of the point where the points will need to be readjusted . I mostly run mine on .022 . This setting gives quicker throttle response and more time before the points will need readjustment

To remove some of the distributor timing backlash from your engine , the oil pump and distributor drive gear located in the valve chamber can be fairly easily replaced Snyders lists these gears on page A-129 of their catalog.