Crab Distributor Timing Plate Confusion

[41SupDelux]

I have a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe with a crab distributor on the front.

Recently, I put in a pertronix ignition module into the distributor. Regrettably, it drives like it has forgotten that it's a car. It idles just fine, but once I put a load on it... "pop pop pop pop pop". Sounds as though someone put a bushel of fire crackers in my tailpipes. Now, the timing is probably at fault. Or I need to lose the vacuum brake - I'm not sure.

My BIGGEST QUESTION at the moment is which direction does the timing adjustment plate with the screw, the little notched plate, do what? If I'm facing the motor from the front of the car, would I push that plate left (up) or right (down) to retard the spark? As much as I've learned about these distributors, I have found zero videos or articles that articulate which direction does what.

My appreciation for your help. I'm twenty-eight and this is my first car with a distributor and everything about it is new to me.

[FlatTopFreddie]

Here’s your answer

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...str-timing.htm

[nelsb01]

Some 6 volt flatheads don't like electronic ignitions. I've tried it twice and have stuck with the parts that were made for the distributors.

[aussie merc]

i fitted one to a crab and what a mission the fit and finish was not good took about 12 hours of hand fitting to get it right the plate didnt even fit into the body to start with and it loaded right up when the circlip was installed seems ok now but for something thats marketed as plug and play its far from it about the only thing they got correct out of the box was the air gap might pay to take another look at yours

[Lawrie]

I just refreshed the stock 34 6v dist on the 34, using nos points and points cam and weight assy.
that thing starts on the first compression and runs so very nice.
But I understand why guys want to change.
Lawrie

[Mart]

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Crank turns clockwise. Cam is geared so turns counter clockwise. Distributor shaft turns counter clockwise. So to advance timing turn plate clockwise. To retard turn counter clockwise. Translate that rotation to up and down screw movement depending on which side it is mounted.
All as viewed from the front of the motor.
Working things out from first principles is better than asking.
Mart.

[41SupDelux]

Originally Posted by aussie merc

i fitted one to a crab and what a mission the fit and finish was not good took about 12 hours of hand fitting to get it right the plate didnt even fit into the body to start with and it loaded right up when the circlip was installed seems ok now but for something thats marketed as plug and play its far from it about the only thing they got correct out of the box was the air gap might pay to take another look at yours

I've had this issue as well. I had to do a lot of sanding, putting it on my lathe to take down the material on the edges. The retaining clip, when installed, put a tremendous amount of pressure on it and made it very difficult to rotate. I think it's less to do with the Pertronix itself and more so with the fact that manufacturing was so inconsistent back then.

[35fordtn]

Down to the floor advances the timing up to the hood retards it. Petronix modules we refuse to install in our shop. We've had to many issues. The plate is supposed to be a very tight fit especially when using points.

For poops and giggles be sure your carburetor accelerator pump link is still connected.