Front-toolbox: how to set the ignition timing

[wkuehnis]

Hi,

I would like to have a front-toolbox. But they will interfere with access to the crank hole in the radiator.

Question: if I mount such a toolbox, how can I set the ignition timing ? Of course, I could do it with a rear wheel in the air. But is there a better way ?

Thanks
Willi

[johnbuckley]

you need to rotate the crank either 1) as you say with rear wheel in air , 2)moving the entire car whilst in gear, or 3) find a big dished spanner/wrench that'll fit over the cam nut in the pulley.... For 3) I managed to grind down a ring spanner to fit but it wasn't worth the effort!... 1) or 2) are better ways.. Eureka! How about a couple of access holes with covers to through the
toolbox?

[JOHN CT]

I have the tool box in the front. How many times do you have to adjust the timing? I adjusted mine before I installed the tool box, and that was years ago. If I ever had to remove the distributor. I would just get it close then I would use the 3 gear method

[Jacksonlll]

Put the tool box close to the bumper and the crank will fit in and work. To time the engine, just put it in third and rock it. Easy and you can do it by yourself.

[wkuehnis]

OK,

thanks for your answers, I think, I will try the 2) from johnbuckley .
This sounds simple.

Thanks
Willi

[Big hammer]

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As Tom Wesenberg has said, set the timing and forget it! If you have to remove the distributor cam then you will need to reset the timing. If you remove the distributor, you may need to retime if you turn the motor while it’s out. Why do we mess with the timing? The points wear and this affects the the timing, just adjust and have a nice drive! :-)

[Benson]

Here is spanner (wrench) that John Buckley speaks of in item 3 in post #2 above.

https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=3571

[divcoone]

I matched the crank hole with a hole in the box. I then cut the crank handle and welded a nut on the end. A 1/2 ratchet turns it over.

[katy]

I use a socket w/a short breaker bar.

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by katy

I use a socket w/a short breaker bar.

what size socket is it... does it need to be deep to accommodate the ears on the nut?

[Y-Blockhead]

Bratton's sells this "Ratchet Nut Wrench". https://www.brattons.com/ratchet-nut-wrench.html Find a cheap used 1⅜" box end wrench and bend your own.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

As Tom Wesenberg has said, set the timing and forget it! If you have to remove the distributor cam then you will need to reset the timing. If you remove the distributor, you may need to retime if you turn the motor while it’s out. Why do we mess with the timing? The points wear and this affects the the timing, just adjust and have a nice drive! :-)

It's rather humorous how some guys get so fussy about setting the initial timing so often with expensive gadgets, yet don't think about the fact that they are changing the timing as soon as they move the spark lever! And usually don't know why they set it where they set it("Uncle Joe said to set it halfway", etc).
It's like the furniture builder who measures with a micrometer, marks it with chalk, and cuts it with an axe!

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

It's rather humorous how some guys get so fussy about setting the initial timing so often with expensive gadgets, yet don't think about the fact that they are changing the timing as soon as they move the spark lever!

Just humor 'em, OK...

I check my timing with a light once in a while. If it's off I adjust the points back to .020"

[denniskliesen]

Those wrenches are useless unless they are 12 point.

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by denniskliesen

Those wrenches are useless unless they are 12 point.

Why is that?

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by denniskliesen

Those wrenches are useless unless they are 12 point.

If your referring to the one from Bratton's, it is.

Also ensure you remove the wrench before starting 'er up. It will unscrew the Ratchet Nut...

[Synchro909]

I made my own tool for this and it was 6 point. I found it difficult to get enough swing to be able to move to the next face.

[100IH]

40 Deluxe,Hi neighbor Love your logic. Eventually most will get there. Let the engine talk and learn to feel the way it is responding to the advance lever. Put your senses to work. Know when it is happy. Sometimes it even includes feeling the floorboards for heat.

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by 100IH

40 Deluxe,Hi neighbor Love your logic. Eventually most will get there. Let the engine talk and learn to feel the way it is responding to the advance lever. Put your senses to work. Know when it is happy. Sometimes it even includes feeling the floorboards for heat.

100IH,

You’re absolutely right about that. Each car is different and the same thing applies to learning where the clutch engages the flywheel and how fast to shift from one gear to another, especially with a crash box like a Model A. People who grew up with electronic ignitions and automatic transmissions don’t understand the “art” of driving such cars.

David Serrano

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

It's rather humorous how some guys get so fussy about setting the initial timing so often with expensive gadgets, yet don't think about the fact that they are changing the timing as soon as they move the spark lever! And usually don't know why they set it where they set it("Uncle Joe said to set it halfway", etc).
It's like the furniture builder who measures with a micrometer, marks it with chalk, and cuts it with an axe!

Chief would NAIL up a board, THEN cut it to proper length!
Bill Apprentice