[Purdy Swoft]

Check points gap and the initial distributor timing . Points gap should be set to factory specs of 18 to 22 thousants . Points gap has an effect on timing . Too small of a points gap retards the timing . I mostly use the larger .022 gap because it allows the points to open quicker , if initial timing is correct . Try removing all of the spark plugs to remove compression . Remove the timing pin and turn the engine over until the timing pin drops into the timing dimple on the timing gear . loosen the cam screw and adjust the distributor cam so that the trailing edge of the rotor tip points exactly at the number one contact in the distributor cap . There will usually be some rotational slack or free movement in the distributor shaft . This rotational movement is sometimes referred to as backlas h. Make sure that ALL of the backlash is in the counter clockwise direction when the cam screw is tightened . Being as the distributor shaft rides on the clockwise side of the backlash , any free rotation in the clockwise direction causes the engine to have to turn a small amount to catch up the slack before the distributor shaft begins to turn and the timing will be retarded to whatever amount of backlash that remains in the clockwise direction after the cam screw is tightened . A lot of people never understand how clockwise backlash in the distributor shaft effects timing and that is the reason that many model A's are out of time , lack power and the manifold turns cherry red . Again , being as the distributor rides on the clockwise side of the backlash , any clockwise backlash in the distributor shaft after the cam screw is tightened retards timing .Back lash in the counter clockwise direction after tightening the cam screw will have NO effect on timing or anything else . A cam wrench comes in very handy at holding the distributor cam while the cam screw is tightened. Close attention to direction of distributor backlash has a big effect on timing .