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07-04-2018, 05:12 PM | #1 |
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Model B distributor
My B engine with A distributor does not like advance at idle. A little is ok but more and she runs lousy. She is timed properly at TDC. while driving 1/3 advance seems to be the sweet spot for overall driving. If I install a B distributor I am told the timing should be now at 19 degrees before the mechanical advance takes over. This seems excessive. I would think it will affect my idle plus would I get a kickback on starting?
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07-04-2018, 05:21 PM | #2 |
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Re: Model B distributor
It was evidently not excessive as many B-distributors have been installed in Model-A engines over the years. I have never had to crank mine by hand but have been assured that kickback should not be a problem provided one held the crank correctly, and Ford supplied a crank with the Model-B for both timing and starting.
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07-04-2018, 07:42 PM | #3 |
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Re: Model B distributor
I have a model B distributor on my A engine. Best thing I ever did, idle in consistent no issues with going uphill .
Jim m |
07-04-2018, 10:58 PM | #4 |
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Re: Model B distributor
B engine with an A distributor, but what timing cover do you have?
Remember, a B cover is advanced when the pin drops into the dimple. |
07-05-2018, 01:04 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Model B distributor
Quote:
Charlie Stephens |
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07-05-2018, 05:47 PM | #6 |
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Re: Model B distributor
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07-06-2018, 12:45 AM | #7 |
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Re: Model B distributor
18 degrees won't kick back on the stock engine. I've even started mine with about 30 degrees advance when I forgot to retard the spark lever.
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07-06-2018, 07:57 AM | #8 |
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Re: Model B distributor
How about with a "Touring cam".
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07-06-2018, 02:29 PM | #9 |
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Re: Model B distributor
Doesnt matter if its a touring cam,B distributor has the correct advance curve.Total advance is about 24 degrees,perfect for an A ,especially with a high compression head.Stock B points are getting scarce but Renners Corner retrofits them with modern points..drill through the lube port(its usually blocked by the bushing) and drill the cam screw so you can lube the upper shaft.And throw your spark control lever away...
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07-06-2018, 03:22 PM | #10 |
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Re: Model B distributor
We can supply new sets of B points if anyone requires them , Derek in a cold freezing NZ back from the hot Reno meet ,
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07-06-2018, 03:36 PM | #11 |
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Re: Model B distributor
No high compression head.
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07-06-2018, 03:44 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Model B distributor
Quote:
I wonder if anybody can cite a Ford reference to this bit of trivia? |
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07-07-2018, 10:16 AM | #13 |
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Re: Model B distributor
I could find no mention of an oilite bushing in the Ford service bulletins '32-'37. The "B" distributor on my Model A had an oilite bushing installed when I rebuilt it. To my knowledge it had never been apart except for minor adjustments. It had no oil hole. Unfortunatly I ha to install the newer bushing and drill it for lubrication. It has worked well for many years now.
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07-07-2018, 12:19 PM | #14 |
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Re: Model B distributor
The key is finding one with good shafts,the upper and lower get galled from lack of lubrication.All model A engines can benefit from mechanical advance,detonation is one of the main causes of bearing failure,the hammer effect of detonation is increased with higher compression
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07-07-2018, 10:49 PM | #15 |
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Re: Model B distributor
when i rebuilt my B dist a couple yrs ago i put in new weights some one made that was supposed to change the advance to run better, anyone else use these weights??
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07-14-2019, 02:23 PM | #16 |
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Re: Model B distributor
I just bought a Model B distributor. I am planning to experiment with it in two different ways. 1) I am going to run it on s stock engine with the static timing set at 3 to 5 degrees BTDC. 2) When my second engine is built, with a 5:5:1 head, I will static time to TDC for less total advance. The stock engine will tolerate more total advance than the HC head. What I want to know is, what exactly is a high speed distributor cap for a Model B? I saw one on EBay and I had interest, because I find the quality of diamond shaped distributor caps to be horrible. However, it appeared to have no notch for the Model B timing indicator, or the advance window if used on a Model A. How does that work? It was a Nioff FF-71. I have taken a “modern distributor cap “ for a Model A and simply added a second index notch at 90 degrees to the Model A index notch. Now, I can use this cap on a Model B distributor. The advance window is still required for the Model B to clear the timing reference tab. Any inputs on this?
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07-14-2019, 03:31 PM | #17 |
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Re: Model B distributor
I looked in an old Niehoff catalog I have and that cap on Ebay in not an FF-71.
Bob |
07-14-2019, 07:30 PM | #18 |
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Re: Model B distributor
The Niohoff FF-71 that was on EBay is sold, gone. It was advertised that it fit a Ford Model B. There is a chart on this forum that confirms that number as a High Speed Model B cap. The cross reference was to an Ampco F-928. There are currently dozens of Nihoff caps on EBay, but those are not what I am talking about. I have the photograph on my phone. I am trying to figure out how to post it.
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07-14-2019, 07:42 PM | #19 |
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Re: Model B distributor
This is the one that was on Ebay, the box is marked right but the cap is
not an FF71. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Niehoff-FF-...p2047675.l2557 |
07-14-2019, 08:17 PM | #20 |
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Re: Model B distributor
Bob, Thank You, that explains it! So, that is not an FF-71 cap. It’s just an FF-71 box. I actually bid on it when it was active. Now, I am glad I didn’t get it. It’s not the correct cap. That answers a lot of my questions. Does anyone have photos of a real FF-71? (A genuine high speed distributor cap for a Ford Model B)
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07-14-2019, 08:47 PM | #21 |
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Re: Model B distributor
The B distributor centrifugal advance is limited to 17° advance so if you set your initial advance to 3° you will only have 20° total. That is why the B motor is set to 19° initial for 36° total. The B timing covers different from the A cover and sets the timing 19° advanced of the A timing cover.
Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 07-16-2019 at 02:58 PM. |
07-15-2019, 10:58 AM | #22 |
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Re: Model B distributor
Does anybody know where I can purchase a Model B distributor for my 1934 BB with a 4 banger?
Mark in Fairbanks Alaska |
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07-15-2019, 02:50 PM | #23 |
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Re: Model B distributor
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07-15-2019, 11:21 PM | #24 |
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Re: Model B distributor
Bob, Thank You Again. Do you have a photograph of a genuine High Speed Model B distributor cap? I have been searching for days and cannot come up with any historical photographs, period advertising, or data on Model B high speed distributor caps. I have nothing. Why isn’t there a shred of anything on this topic?
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07-16-2019, 10:44 AM | #25 |
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Re: Model B distributor
Bert's and most of the vendors have this cap.
https://modelastore.com/electrical/d...roduct_id=4204 Bob |
07-16-2019, 11:18 AM | #26 | ||
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Re: Model B distributor
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Quote:
There is a "sweet zone" which is not readily apparent of course. The range of advance of the Model A distributor is actually GREATER than the Model B. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bdistributoradvance.htm Quote:
Joe K
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07-16-2019, 11:30 AM | #27 |
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Re: Model B distributor
The Model B cap is the same as the Model A cap - except they narrow the slot at the bottom so it will pass only the wire connector.
Vince's parts list 1932-1934 pix shows the cap as B-12105. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bdistributordetails.htm A Model A cap will work. Joe K
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07-16-2019, 07:52 PM | #28 |
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Re: Model B distributor
@BobC Yes, thank you. I have this cap. They are sold by the majority of Model A parts providers. The cap is simply described as a “modern distributor cap” for a Model A Ford. It doesn’t fit on a Model B distributor unless you add a second index pin notch precisely 90 degrees to the existing one that is correct for the Model A. The advance window/notch is still needed to clear the Model B timing reference tab. The cap looks modern, like 1970s modern. It doesn’t look 1930s vintage. Things made in 1930s have a certain look to them. I want to see an original 1930s vintage Model B high speed distributor cap.
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01-04-2020, 03:20 PM | #29 |
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Re: Model B distributor
Genuine Niehoff FF 71 Model B High speed Distributor Cap Ray
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