The Ford Barn

1crosscut · 03-26-2022, 05:59 PM

Just finished up replacing a head gasket for a gent and would like your input on setting the timing on a Pertronix distributor.
At top dead center it lines up pretty much with the #1 post as it would with a stock distributor.
Any additional steps / information that would be helpful?

I have not messed with one of these before.

nkaminar · 03-26-2022, 06:08 PM

I don't have any experience with this distributor but I found instructions online at https://images.carid.com/pertronix/p...structions.pdf
It says to check the timing after the engine starts. I think you can do this by a degree wheel or marks on the pulley or just by how the engine performs.

29spcoupe · 03-27-2022, 06:18 AM

Make sure you have at least 4.5 volts at the coil if you have a 6 volt car. If the voltage at the coil is not at least 4.5 volts, you will no get spark at the plugs.

old31 · 03-27-2022, 01:15 PM

Just be aware that the chart that NK sent is for 12-Volt Negative Ground Installation Instructions, For Part Number: 1183

1crosscut · 03-27-2022, 06:27 PM

It's a 12 volt negative ground set up.

Have it running pretty well tuning it by turning the distributor body. Have not taken it out on the road as of yet.

Thanks

CT Jack · 03-27-2022, 10:08 PM

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I don't understand how you can rotate or turn the distributor body. The distributor body cannot be rotated, it has a locking pin. Follow the standard method for timing the engine, distributor fully retarded, and positioning the rotor (facing #1 plug wire).
As mentioned the battery must have a voltage of 4.7 volts or greater for the ignition module to work. It is also important to remember not to leave the ignition on without the engine running otherwise the ignition module can be damaged.

1crosscut · 03-28-2022, 06:20 AM

It's a more modern distributor not a stock distributor and doesn't have the locking pin so it can be turned. The car is 12 volt.

03-26-2022, 06:08 PM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Setting Pertronix distributor I don't have any experience with this distributor but I found instructions online at https://images.carid.com/pertronix/p...structions.pdf It says to check the timing after the engine starts. I think you can do this by a degree wheel or marks on the pulley or just by how the engine performs. __________________ 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.

03-27-2022, 06:18 AM	#3
29spcoupe Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rhinebeck, NY Posts: 761	Re: Setting Pertronix distributor Make sure you have at least 4.5 volts at the coil if you have a 6 volt car. If the voltage at the coil is not at least 4.5 volts, you will no get spark at the plugs.

03-27-2022, 01:15 PM	#4
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,098	Re: Setting Pertronix distributor Just be aware that the chart that NK sent is for 12-Volt Negative Ground Installation Instructions, For Part Number: 1183

03-27-2022, 06:27 PM	#5
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,909	Re: Setting Pertronix distributor It's a 12 volt negative ground set up. Have it running pretty well tuning it by turning the distributor body. Have not taken it out on the road as of yet. Thanks __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

03-27-2022, 10:08 PM	#6
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 432	Re: Setting Pertronix distributor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I don't understand how you can rotate or turn the distributor body. The distributor body cannot be rotated, it has a locking pin. Follow the standard method for timing the engine, distributor fully retarded, and positioning the rotor (facing #1 plug wire). As mentioned the battery must have a voltage of 4.7 volts or greater for the ignition module to work. It is also important to remember not to leave the ignition on without the engine running otherwise the ignition module can be damaged.

03-26-2022, 05:59 PM	#1
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,909	Setting Pertronix distributor Just finished up replacing a head gasket for a gent and would like your input on setting the timing on a Pertronix distributor. At top dead center it lines up pretty much with the #1 post as it would with a stock distributor. Any additional steps / information that would be helpful? I have not messed with one of these before. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

03-28-2022, 06:20 AM	#7
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,909	Re: Setting Pertronix distributor It's a more modern distributor not a stock distributor and doesn't have the locking pin so it can be turned. The car is 12 volt. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska