The Ford Barn

Bob Johnson · 06-14-2024, 11:55 AM

On a recent tour I had a problem with the distributor. Rather than trying to figure out the problem on the road it was quicker to just swap out the distributor. I borrowed a spare distributor from someone in the tour group. Since it was not set to the correct timing for my car I had to adjust it. Before I took out the bad distributor I used the timing pin to get the engine at TDC for cylinder #1. I noted the position of the rotor. When I put in the replacement distributor I set the rotor to the same position. Easy-peasy. Below is a picture of rotor position at TDC. You do not need any fancy tool just align the rotor to the position shown in the picture.
Bob Johnson

nkaminar · 06-14-2024, 12:17 PM

Atta boy, Bob. What was wrong with the old distributor?

Bob Johnson · 06-14-2024, 12:41 PM

Bad condenser.

Y-Blockhead · 06-14-2024, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Johnson

On a recent tour I had a problem with the distributor. Rather than trying to figure out the problem on the road it was quicker to just swap out the distributor. I borrowed a spare distributor from someone in the tour group. Since it was not set to the correct timing for my car I had to adjust it. Before I took out the bad distributor I used the timing pin to get the engine at TDC for cylinder #1. I noted the position of the rotor. When I put in the replacement distributor I set the rotor to the same position. Easy-peasy. Below is a picture of rotor position at TDC. You do not need any fancy tool just align the rotor to the position shown in the picture.
Bob Johnson

Good going. I am sure you were close but it wouldn't hurt to still check your timing if the point gap was not the same between the two distributors.

Bob Johnson · 06-14-2024, 01:07 PM

For me close is good enough. I use the spark lever to fine tune the timing. With the engine warmed up and at idle I retard the lever all the way. Then slowly move it down. The engine speed will increase as the lever is lowered. At some point the engine speed will no longer increase. This is place where the lever should be set after warm up.

Bob

P.S. · 06-14-2024, 01:25 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If you never, ever crank-start the car, then "close enough" probably is.

Y-Blockhead · 06-14-2024, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Johnson

For me close is good enough. I use the spark lever to fine tune the timing. With the engine warmed up and at idle I retard the lever all the way. Then slowly move it down. The engine speed will increase as the lever is lowered. At some point the engine speed will no longer increase. This is place where the lever should be set after warm up.

Bob

Whatever...

Rob Doe · 06-14-2024, 01:40 PM

Bob Johnson, I don't see the photo you referenced. Are you running a stock Model A distributor configuration?

mleder · 06-14-2024, 03:42 PM

Good enough to get off the side of the road and get you someplace, I would take the time afterwards to make it really right. There are variables due to manufacturing, and wear. After all, don't we all like to tinker a bit and get it as good and reliable as possible!

Bob Johnson · 06-14-2024, 07:50 PM

Well, I did hand crank it after replacing the distributor and it started right up. I checked the timing the normal way and it was spot on.

Rob, the reason you can not see the picture is your internet provider will not let you view pictures on my web site. My web site has a Comcast (Xfinity) IP address and some providers block all Comcast web addresses. You likely can not go to my web site at www.modelahouse.com.

Bob

katy · 06-15-2024, 10:06 PM

After getting to your website, how does one locate the picture?

06-14-2024, 12:17 PM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,857	Re: Setting the timing Atta boy, Bob. What was wrong with the old distributor? __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

06-14-2024, 12:41 PM	#3
Bob Johnson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: California Posts: 1,021	Re: Setting the timing Bad condenser.

06-14-2024, 01:07 PM	#5
Bob Johnson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: California Posts: 1,021	Re: Setting the timing For me close is good enough. I use the spark lever to fine tune the timing. With the engine warmed up and at idle I retard the lever all the way. Then slowly move it down. The engine speed will increase as the lever is lowered. At some point the engine speed will no longer increase. This is place where the lever should be set after warm up. Bob

06-14-2024, 01:25 PM	#6
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Hazzard County Posts: 2,165	Re: Setting the timing Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you never, ever crank-start the car, then "close enough" probably is. __________________ 2024-2026 MAFCA Technical Director

06-14-2024, 01:40 PM	#8
Rob Doe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 618	Re: Setting the timing Bob Johnson, I don't see the photo you referenced. Are you running a stock Model A distributor configuration? __________________ "It ain't what you know for certain that gets ya in trouble. It's what ya know for certain that just ain't so!"

06-14-2024, 11:55 AM	#1
Bob Johnson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: California Posts: 1,021	Setting the timing On a recent tour I had a problem with the distributor. Rather than trying to figure out the problem on the road it was quicker to just swap out the distributor. I borrowed a spare distributor from someone in the tour group. Since it was not set to the correct timing for my car I had to adjust it. Before I took out the bad distributor I used the timing pin to get the engine at TDC for cylinder #1. I noted the position of the rotor. When I put in the replacement distributor I set the rotor to the same position. Easy-peasy. Below is a picture of rotor position at TDC. You do not need any fancy tool just align the rotor to the position shown in the picture. Bob Johnson

06-14-2024, 03:42 PM	#9
mleder Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 205	Re: Setting the timing Good enough to get off the side of the road and get you someplace, I would take the time afterwards to make it really right. There are variables due to manufacturing, and wear. After all, don't we all like to tinker a bit and get it as good and reliable as possible!

06-14-2024, 07:50 PM	#10
Bob Johnson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: California Posts: 1,021	Re: Setting the timing Well, I did hand crank it after replacing the distributor and it started right up. I checked the timing the normal way and it was spot on. Rob, the reason you can not see the picture is your internet provider will not let you view pictures on my web site. My web site has a Comcast (Xfinity) IP address and some providers block all Comcast web addresses. You likely can not go to my web site at www.modelahouse.com. Bob

06-15-2024, 10:06 PM	#11
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 6,077	Re: Setting the timing After getting to your website, how does one locate the picture? __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!