Model A Timing Wrench By Nu-Rex

[39 Ford Pickup]

I am new to the Model A Forum on Ford Barn and have a question.
In Snyder's catalog is a Timing wrench that caught my curiosity, the Nu-Rex.
I went to youtube and watched a video using this Nu-wrench an was wondering the thoughts you would have about this.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGAKWX158H8

[SDJason]

It works great, and is a wonderful timesaver - read through a previous thread on it here.

That being said, you should also learn and know how to set the timing without it (it's really easy to do) - what will you do if you misplace it one day and need to set the timing?

[Mitch//pa]

I have one and tested it's accuracy using both methods. I found that it gets the timing close to within a degree or two but not right on all the time. the variance when using the tool is caused by a little sloppy fit on the shaft (((crappy metal and the tab is not a good fit into the notch))) combined with lining up the arrow leaves some margin for error. It is good for an emergency road side repair until it can be double checked later using the old school way...

[Goldhardt]

Welcome to the Barn! I see that it is your first post! I agree with the previous two posts. You need to know how to set your timing the "old way" to get it dead on, but I can see where this tool could be very useful if you happen to be stuck along the side of the road. I don't have one yet, but plan on getting one to carry in the car before next spring!

[burner31]

Why would you need this tool for an emergency?
With just your standard tools you can set your timing the "old school way" anywhere.

Note: Once your timing is set correctly, you normally don't have to mess with it for a long long time, it would be something major to knock the timing off on the road.

[CarlG]

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This past summer one of the cars in our tour developed distributor problems. Long story made short, a replacement distributor was used to solve the problem. After several attempts by the car's owner trying to time it the "old school way", I used the NuRex tool. 5 minutes and he was on his way.

[Mike V. Florida]

Welcome and what else do you have besides a '39?

[stewwolfe]

I bought one years ago and it works okay. I agree with Mitch that the tang is too sloppy to get it perfect. You can time a Model A really easily with a homemade timing light (bulb with wires soldered on the terminals, with alligator clips on the per ends). Learning to do it the old school way will serve you well, whether in the garage or on the road. The more you get used to working on them, the more you realize just what amazing machines they are.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by burner31

Why would you need this tool for an emergency?
With just your standard tools you can set your timing the "old school way" anywhere.

Note: Once your timing is set correctly, you normally don't have to mess with it for a long long time, it would be something major to knock the timing off on the road.

I'm not disagreeing with you about how easy it is to reset the timing without the wrench, but to change the original style points the cam has to come off. It's like a safety belt for some especially if on the side of the road or fighting the pressures of the moment

[Fred K-OR]

I tend to agree with Mitch. It does get it close and a person can then adjust it a bit to get it closer. But if you have the experience like mentioned above, maybe you could get along with out it. I am happy I have one because it save me a lot of time.

[burner31]

I am amazed at the amount/types of tools I can stow under the front seat, with padding and securing you don't hear them rattling around, and don't even know they are there...until you need them.
With a little planning and lessons learned, you have packed the tools/parts you will need for most any emergency.
If a square blue rock works for you...by all means, get it, use it, keep it.
If a $10 tool works for you...by all means, get it, use it, keep it.

[Bruce of MN]

A handy tool for removing the distributor locking screw at roadside and in your garage is this: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece...ver-92630.html

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by forever4

Why would anyone ever have to change points on the side of the road?
What conceivable emergency?
It is hard for me to imagine.

Seems to me like another modern solution looking for an imagined problem to solve.

I agree with you for sure! Wayne

[Kevin in NJ]

Nurex makes their money scaring people into buying modern products.

Learn the timing method Marcos has on his site and you are set for life.

As far as points go, a quality used set of points is likely to last you decades with a good cam that is properly lubed.

The whole alternator, V8 points, and timing bracket are just a waste of money and time.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by forever4

Why would anyone ever have to change points on the side of the road?
What conceivable emergency?
It is hard for me to imagine.

Seems to me like another modern solution looking for an imagined problem to solve.

I assume you mean that if the owner made points a part of his periodic inspection before starting off for the Yukon, there can be no problem. I don't know if anyone thinks repro points can self-destruct without warning, or not.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by forever4

Why would anyone ever have to change points on the side of the road?
What conceivable emergency?
It is hard for me to imagine..

I saw a guy lose the point contact it fell off the moveable arm.
Had another tape up the lower plate wire where the outer insulation was cracked and missing causing it to ground.

Did you ever tour?

[James Rogers]

I can set the timing faster and closer by the original method faster than you can get that stupid wrench out of your tool box. Forget that thing, it only makes sense for the manufacturer to make money, nothing else.

[P.S.]

Wow, you guys are being pretty harsh.

The Nu-Rex tool is excellent, and does get the timing really, really close. Certainly more than close enough.

Mitch and others- If the Nu-Rex tool is sloppy on your distributor cam, then one or the other is worn out. The Nu-Rex tool fits so securely on the new Stipe distributor cams that you have to kinda wiggle-tap it on and wiggle it off.

Although Marco's method is best, it also requires a trouble light or an ohmmeter to do it. The Nu-Rex tool requires neither. In fact, you don't need any electricity at all. That makes roadside repairs much faster and easier. For those of us that use a real pop-out ignition switch, the Nu-Rex tool is SO much easier and faster.

I will bet you guys have more rotational slop inducing timing error in your distributor shaft than the Nu-Rex tool could ever cause.

Give the new guy a break, please. And give the Nu-Rex tool a chance. THINK before you type.

[ericr]

me personally, I found Marco's instructions difficult to follow. that may be heresy here, but there was just too much detail and explanation.

I guess I should take cover in my foxhole soon.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by ericr

me personally, I found Marco's instructions difficult to follow. that may be heresy here, but there was just too much detail and explanation.

I guess I should take cover in my foxhole soon.

You just need someone with experience to walk you through the procedure. you don't need a ohm meter, trouble light, test light or power to do it the old school way..just a pair of eyes

[JohnLaVoy]

Welcome to the hobby! Great little tool, we wrote an article on it when it came out a few years ago.

[burner31]

I am always open to new ideas and ways, and by no means know everything or profess that I do.
I am old school in how i live and what I do, but tools being my candy, I now must get one and try it, for $10...nothing to lose.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I haven't used the tool, but have used Ford's original timing method and find it easy to set timing.

Marco's way is also easy and works well. In a nutshell you just press the timing pin into the cam gear recess and make sure the rotor is positioned as in my picture. Just lightly press the rotor clockwise to be sure any freeplay is in the CCW direction, since that's the way the rotor turns.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I haven't used the tool, but have used Ford's original timing method and find it easy to set timing.

Marco's way is also easy and works well. In a nutshell you just press the timing pin into the cam gear recess and make sure the rotor is positioned as in my picture. Just lightly press the rotor clockwise to be sure any freeplay is in the CCW direction, since that's the way the rotor turns.

wouldn't that remove freeplay from the CCW direction, not create it?

[Brian T]

I use the $1 tool and Marcos method and saved $9, what could be better than that ?.

[SDJason]

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In case anyone's not familiar with it, here's a link to Marco's "Model 'A' Ignition Timing" page.

Also, Marco's handy, in a nutshell picture:


I still find the Nurex wrench handy, though - need to own a cam wrench anyways, so it might as well be one that can pull double duty, and might even help out in a pinch.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by ericr

wouldn't that remove freeplay from the CCW direction, not create it?

Maybe I worded it wrong, but that's what I was saying, any freeplay would be ahead of the rotor, or CCW from the rotor. Anyway, just lightly turn the rotor or distributor cam clockwise to remove any freeplay.

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by forever4

Why would Marco's method require a ohmmeter or light?
You guys overthink everything and make simple jobs difficult.
No wonder you struggle with everything,
Get a copy of the Instruction Book and the Service Bulletins and do things the easy way.

I do agree with you on one thing -- THINK before you type.

I left out the part that would have helped my post make more sense, my apologizes. I meant to say, "Although Marco's method is best, it also requires a trouble light or an ohmmeter to do it without leaving the ignition on. The Nu-Rex tool requires neither. In fact, you don't need any electricity at all."

Hope that helps.

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

You just need someone with experience to walk you through the procedure. you don't need a ohm meter, trouble light, test light or power to do it the old school way..just a pair of eyes

Amen to that !! I can never figure out why folks think they need those . Not trying to knock nu-Rex but there's not one of those gadgets that is better and more accurate than the original way of timing and setting points

You just have to learn how to do it right and when you do you will have a good a-ha moment of understanding and experience.

Larry Shepard

[Mitch//pa]

Right Tom tightening the cam screw removes the backlash so it's actually doing two things at once when tightening. I usually then after tightening use the screw driver to go CCW then back CW again to fine tune the cam lobe adjustment perfectly.....
A real good tool to have is the crank wrench to turn the motor easily for the timing pin dimple.. Turning it by the fan, or fan belt usually loosens the belt adjustment then it slips anyway. So the wrench avoids those issues as well as having to pull the plugs....

[SDJason]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

...A real good tool to have is the crank wrench to turn the motor easily for the timing pin dimple...

That looks handy - anyone know if these are still available anywhere?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by SDJason

That looks handy - anyone know if these are still available anywhere?

All the suppliers have them

[ericr]

what I can't understand is how the service bulletins talk about tightening the screw without any kind of tool to hold the cam in position....did the original setup hold its position better somehow?

[ericr]

Originally Posted by forever4

Why would Marco's method require a ohmmeter or light?
You guys overthink everything and make simple jobs difficult.
No wonder you struggle with everything,
Get a copy of the Instruction Book and the Service Bulletins and do things the easy way.

I do agree with you on one thing -- THINK before you type.

LOL have you ever thought of opening up a Ford Mechanics School per the Service Letters for us wayward mechanics?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by ericr

what I can't understand is how the service bulletins talk about tightening the screw without any kind of tool to hold the cam in position....did the original setup hold its position better somehow?

You can tighten it without a cam wrench. I actually never use it.... By going back and forth using the freeplay it may take a couple times of lossening // tightening the cam screw to get it perfect.

SO as Marco shows all the way counter clockwise screw tight the points should be closed... The slightest movement CCW should crack the points a hair...

[larrys40]

You can even use the slot in the cam with the screwdriver tip moved out to catch the cam to slightly move the cam... even with a slight snug on the cam screw... just a tip.

As Mitch said if you have to make an adjustment once or twice it's really not that big a deal. Easy...and you can get it right on every time. The service bulletins show it and Les Andrews you tube shows it as well.. although it's a somewhat cumbersome video.

We had a "tune up" day for our Missouri Valley Region group this summer so folks could get a hands on.... It was a chance for those to learn how to do it.

Everyone can learn....and then you will be glad you did!
Larry

[Fred K-OR]

Hello 39 Ford Pickup. I hope you have found your answer to your original question. You have received many "answers" to your question. But by now you may be a bit confused as to what to do. This happens with this Forum but don't give up with the site. There were some very good and educating comments that may help with your Model A. Welcome and good luck. Bring back more questions. These guys need some exercise typing all kinds of answers.

[Spokes]

Originally Posted by 39 Ford Pickup

I am new to the Model A Forum on Ford Barn and have a question.
In Snyder's catalog is a Timing wrench that caught my curiosity, the Nu-Rex.
I went to youtube and watched a video using this Nu-wrench an was wondering the thoughts you would have about this.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGAKWX158H8

Welcome to The Barn, You will love all the Help !!!

[Karl]

Originally Posted by Kevin in NJ

Nurex makes their money scaring people into buying modern products.

Learn the timing method Marcos has on his site and you are set for life.

As far as points go, a quality used set of points is likely to last you decades with a good cam that is properly lubed.

The whole alternator, V8 points, and timing bracket are just a waste of money and time.

Exactly! Karl

[Karl]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Although Marco's method is best, it also requires a trouble light or an ohmmeter to do it. The Nu-Rex tool requires neither. In fact, you don't need any electricity at all. That makes roadside repairs much faster and easier. For those of us that use a real pop-out ignition switch, the Nu-Rex tool is SO much easier and faster.

Marcos method doesn't need a light. Les Andrews does and I wouldn't recommend that either. I have a used the Nu-rex tool and it was ok but not brilliant.

Karl

[pgerhardt]

Why fret about getting the initial timing exactly right to a fraction of a degree, when the actual timing while is running will be changed by that big lever on the left of the steering column. I would think that proper use of the advance/retard lever will have a bigger effect on performance than a fraction of a degree off on the initial timing. How many just start on full retard then run on full advance rather than modulating timing to meet various driving conditions?

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by Karl

Marcos method doesn't need a light. Les Andrews does and I wouldn't recommend that either. I have a used the Nu-rex tool and it was ok but not brilliant.

Karl

See post #29. I left out one line.

[1930marie]

Welcome 39 to Fordbarn! You have just joined your best source for information to keep your Fords in top running condition. You already have seen 1st hand the beauty of Fordbard with all the excellent advise posted on your thread. Now its up to you to decide what works best for you. When my "A" was unloaded from the car hauler, I had no idea of the fun and stress relief I had just bought myself. There is nothing like working on a Model A! The first thing on my list was to check the brakes and then the timing and carb. Buy Les's book for a starting reference point, order yourself a Nurex wrench (use it until you understand what the guys mean how easy these are to time) it all just takes practice. Someday, you will be making some of these same comments. Practice still makes perfect! Put your coveralls on and have fun! ps nothing more reliable than a properly tuned Model A - especially when you understand the beauty of its design!

[SDJason]

I'm starting to sense a bit of passive-aggressiveness in this thread...

[tbirdtbird]

how many here would be able to read the dial indicator; that is harder than timing it the Ford way

[Mitch//pa]

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Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

how many here would be able to read the dial indicator; that is harder than timing it the Ford way

No problem:

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by SDJason

I'm starting to sense a bit of passive-aggressiveness in this thread...

Me too!

Use what works for you!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by SDJason

I'm starting to sense a bit of passive-aggressiveness in this thread...

It's just the eggnog.

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by forever4

Why would anyone ever have to change points on the side of the road?
What conceivable emergency?
It is hard for me to imagine.

Seems to me like another modern solution looking for an imagined problem to solve.

The little fibre thingy that rides on the distributor cam broke off the points on my Bedford van in the fall of 1965. Would you believe I got a replacement set at 1:00 am and had enough tools with me to do the job and get back home in time to go to work.

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by forever4

I think you are very unclear on the concept.
It does not require a light or ohmmeter, nor do you need to leave the ignition on.

This is very basic. Don't confuse yourself with all your gadgets.

You are mistaken. Marco's method requires the ignition to be on so that you can spark the points. Please re-read his website and you will see that you missed it.

If you want to adjust the Model A timing without leaving the ignition on, then you connect an ohmmeter across the points and proceed per his instructions.

The Nu-Rex tool is not a gadget, it is a real tool. It allows you to set the Model A timing without any electricity at all. That is about as un-gadget as it gets.

[marc hildebrant]

I have the tool and it works O.K. It's a good tool to take on the road.

Marco's method does use a meter\light and is more accurate than the Timing Wrench.

Marc

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by SDJason

I'm starting to sense a bit of passive-aggressiveness in this thread...

More than a start! (After 55 posts) Could be just frustration of us northern guys sitting in the cold and rainy house!

[CarlG]

Hi, my name is Carl, and I am a tool junkie. I will admit that I have a NewRex timing wrench. I will further admit that I have actually used it to time not only my Model A, but several others as well.

I will also admit that I have a Snap-On Head nut wrench that I bought from Vince at The Ford Garage:

[ericr]

Originally Posted by forever4

I wish people would be reasonable and see things my way!

are you kidding? this mob can't even agree if Marco's instructions require the switch to be on.

[msmaron]

fast, simple, quick, and easy...always keep it in your tool bag!!! has never failed me at all!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Too many replies has chased away the original poster.

[Mitch//pa]

it was the BED BUG that did it

[Karl]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Too many replies has chased away the original poster.

Don't worry Tom he'll be back to ask what oil to use in his car-Now won't that be fun !!! Karl

[Hoogah]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Too many replies has chased away the original poster.

Nah, he's just reading this and going "Sheesh!!".

[1930marie]

Default Re: Model A Timing Wrench By Nu-Rex
how many here would be able to read the dial indicator; that is harder than timing it the Ford way
__________________
'31 180A

Us M.E.'s (there's others here on FB, plus a multitude of cert. mechanics, I think you just might be surprised! lol. I'm guessing most car folk have at least one in their tool box. lol

[1930marie]

Whatever works for you, for $10, add it to an order and give it a try. It does put you in the ballpark. My car likes 2deg. advanced which I could adjust my levers, advance my cam, or not worry about it cause the beauty of the Model A is the fun of learning where your car runs best. The Nurex will definitely and quickly get you in the ballpark and you can "tinker" with it from their. Personally, I can have my light hooked up and timing dialed in as fast as I can find the wrench. For me, the light tells me exactly to the deg where I want to be.

[Flathead]

I like mine and yes I can set timing without it. It is a tool, don't we like tools??

[katy]

$10 for a little piece of stamped metal that's not needed?

[CarlG]

$10 for a Big Mac & fries -- that's not needed? (nor will it last)

[Fred K-OR]

Wow 70 posts and growing!

[29er]

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One great thing about this hobby is trying out different stuff... "modern" distributor or original distributor, air filter or no air filter, etc. It's a great learning experience.

Shucks, I even tried out whitewalls once. What a mistake THAT was!

Oops, did I say that?

[Fred K-OR]

Yes that "whitewalls" mistake will prolong this thread. But what the heck, nothing else to do!

[CarlG]

Of course Fred is straddling the fence. He has one white, one black. (On separate cars, naturally)

[TDO]

I was going to put my 2 cents in . but I forgot if it was about timing or white walls.

[CarlG]

It's neither, it's about the type of oil you use.

[JOHN CT]

Originally Posted by CarlG

It's neither, it's about the type of oil you use.

O know not the oil again!! You got to laugh!

[RUNNERBUN]

Such a simple question asked by a new Ford Barn member who is new to Model A's-----------------------------------------------Why so many reply's ????? This is a good example of how to scare off any new member. I suspect we may never see him again.

[Mitch//pa]

I wonder if the OP will buy the wrench

[tbirdtbird]

" This is a good example of how to scare off any new member. I suspect we may never see him again."

BUT 2345 views so far!!!!!!!!!!! That is what matters

[Mitch//pa]

I bet the OP is grateful for all the good advice.... Much good info was shared in this thread..
I bet a lot of people benefitted from it.
I for one did not know that 105.00 dist tool that Vince posted was available.. I ordered one

[OL JENNY]

I have a wrench but have not used it, but the real issue is how many times I tried to crush the gnat on my cell phone. Then I realized it was under my screen and wondered how in the he-- it got in there. Forever 4 it is not nice to mess with old ford guys!!

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by OL JENNY

I have a wrench but have not used it, but the real issue is how many times I tried to crush the gnat on my cell phone. Then I realized it was under my screen and wondered how in the he-- it got in there. Forever 4 it is not nice to mess with old ford guys!!

I thought it was a bed bug

[Tom Wesenberg]

When I bought my first A I bought the dollar wrench that holds the cam while you tighten the screw. I think that wrench is very handy, and better than using a pliers.

[Larry Jenkins]

Sometimes, "nasty" responses come from like posts..

Larry

[Goldhardt]

Hey forever4, with all the time, money and effort you spent on that gadget in your picture, you could have probably bought a few NU-Rex timing wrenches!

As a wise man once said earlier in this thread, "Seems to me like another modern solution looking for an imagined problem to solve".

Just kidding and doing my part to get this thread to 100 posts!

[tbirdtbird]

yet the gadget in his pic has many many applications if you build motors and other precision devices

closer to 100
and up to 2527 views

[ericr]

nearly all members are keenly aware of the precision of the original parts, and "made from Ford blueprint" seems to be the new watchword. it will be highly interesting to read his results. I share his recollection of how poorly the two repro shafts fit back in the '70s.

still, I wonder how much net difference in performance would be gained in this regard with the best of the best. everyone's goal is to have the quiet running smooth-power train of yore and there are apparently numerous factors involved.