[Purdy Swoft]

Most of the timing instructions that I've seen in the how to books can be confusing to the newby model A owner. Some are confusing by a poor choice of words, others by adding tests that only add more confusion. A lot of problems are caused by the backlash in the distributor shaft (free movement in the dist. shaft).. Here is how I set mine. I first remove all of the spark plugs. There is NO need in fighting compression when tring to set the points or finding the dimple in the timing gear with the timing pin. I then set the points at .022 .. When the timing dimple is found with the timing pin, I loosen the points cam screw and set the rotor so that the trailing edge of the rotor tip is pointing at the number one contact in the distributor cap body. The distributor turns counter clockwise when the engine is running and the trailing edge of the rotor tip will be the rear edge when the rotor is turning counter clockwise, as when it is running. The number one contact in the cap body is the right front when standing on the passenger side. There will sometimes be 1/2 inch or more free movement or backlash in the distributor shaft. Counter clockwise backlash doesn't effect the timing. With The timing pin in the dimple of the cam gear, tighten the points cam so that the trailing edge of the rotor tip is pointing at the number one contact in the distributor cap with no clockwise backlash. In other words let the backlash ALL be in the counter clockwise direction when the points cam screw is tightened. It may take several tries because the points cam will try to turn as you tighten the screw. If clockwise rotation or backlash remains, the timing will be retarded the amount of the clock wise backlash that remains when the cam screw is tightened . To test, retard the spark lever, the points should be just about to open. With a screw driver that just fits the cam screw , back the screw up to the end of the clockwise backlash. With the ignition switch on, the slightest movement of the cam screw in the counter clockwise direction will open the points and you will hear an electrical pop and a spark at the points. I skip the test because if the trailing edge of the rotor tip is pointing in the correct spot with no clockwise backlash, the timing will be right on. I have years of experience setting model A timing. Some need to test with a screwdriver, I find that this confuses most to the point that they are unable to get the timing correct.