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Old 05-12-2021, 10:58 AM   #21
katy
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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Originally Posted by Greg Jones View Post
you may need to judiciously bend the end of the rotor tab either up or down to adjust the clearance.
How does one do that w/out breaking the rotor? I've never been able to figure that out.
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Old 05-12-2021, 12:02 PM   #22
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

JimZ, can we get a wider view of your timing pin location, like in the picture Charlie Posted?

I have seen those elongated bosses on commercial engines and have been told they were aftermarket, wondering if your timing gear cover is a "B" but without the elongated boss. Just a thought.

Is the auto advance working in the distributor?
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Old 05-12-2021, 12:59 PM   #23
Bob C
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

According to Vince's site it looks like the Model A service replacement and all the
Model B timing covers had the elongated timing pin boss. The 1933-34 had just
a round boss. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/timingcovers.htm
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Old 05-16-2021, 09:03 AM   #24
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

I’ll get a better photo in a little while. Even though the advance seems to be working fine, getting it timed per a proper procedure is unachievable. The best I can do is set it so it doesn’t backfire. I have no idea if I’m getting optimum performance. I’m thinking about putting a Model A distributor in it. Then I can enjoy the true Model A driving experience. I wonder if I’ll need to change the body or are the A and B bodies the same?
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Old 05-16-2021, 09:46 AM   #25
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

Best I can do for the photo.
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Old 05-16-2021, 10:55 AM   #26
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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I wonder if I’ll need to change the body or are the A and B bodies the same?
The bodies are different. Your pic looks like an "A" cover.

Have you tried a timing light? I have one that has a dial on the back that you can move to see where you are at. If you are running a 6v System simply power the 12V timing light with another battery.

Of course you would have to get to TDC and put an indicator and mark on the crank pulley. NuRex makes a timing indicator.

https://www.nurex.com/extra-crankshaft-degree-indicator

Here is what I did. White dot on crank pulley is TDC, the yellow mark is 19 BTDC.

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Old 05-16-2021, 01:41 PM   #27
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

I will try it with my timing light.
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Old 05-16-2021, 02:42 PM   #28
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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Originally Posted by jwmckenzie View Post
The bodies are different. Your pic looks like an "A" cover.

Have you tried a timing light? I have one that has a dial on the back that you can move to see where you are at. If you are running a 6v System simply power the 12V timing light with another battery.

Of course you would have to get to TDC and put an indicator and mark on the crank pulley. NuRex makes a timing indicator.

https://www.nurex.com/extra-crankshaft-degree-indicator

Here is what I did. White dot on crank pulley is TDC, the yellow mark is 19 BTDC.


I’m curious. How did you know where to put the yellow dot for 19 degrees?


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Old 05-16-2021, 03:21 PM   #29
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

Well my 35 year old $15 timing light won’t work. Funny, it was fine 20 years ago! Going shopping for a new one.
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Old 05-16-2021, 08:14 PM   #30
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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Well my 35 year old $15 timing light won’t work. Funny, it was fine 20 years ago! Going shopping for a new one.

I guess they “don’t make them like they used to.” [emoji23]


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Old 05-17-2021, 06:34 AM   #31
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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I’m curious. How did you know where to put the yellow dot for 19 degrees?
A little Geometry and an internet calculator, I able to calculate the distance of between the dots (Chord Length), given a 19 degree angle and the radius of the crank pulley.
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Old 05-17-2021, 02:50 PM   #32
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

New $50 timing light shows that I had the timing set at exactly 19 deg. BTDC with my Model B distributor. I knew it was running ok but didn’t realize I could get 19 deg. by ear. Too bad I had to tear up the packaging to get the timing light out or I’d think about taking it back.
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Old 05-17-2021, 04:15 PM   #33
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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New $50 timing light shows that I had the timing set at exactly 19 deg. BTDC with my Model B distributor. I knew it was running ok but didn’t realize I could get 19 deg. by ear. Too bad I had to tear up the packaging to get the timing light out or I’d think about taking it back.
Excellent. Now you know... We all need a new tool from time to time....
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Old 05-17-2021, 06:37 PM   #34
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

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Originally Posted by JimZ View Post
New $50 timing light shows that I had the timing set at exactly 19 deg. BTDC with my Model B distributor. I knew it was running ok but didn’t realize I could get 19 deg. by ear. Too bad I had to tear up the packaging to get the timing light out or I’d think about taking it back.
Keep it. You might need it in another 35 years. 😇

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Old 05-17-2021, 06:46 PM   #35
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Default Re: Model B Distributor in a Model A

Static timing a B distributor isn't the best way to go...shoot for 1 degree advance per 100 rpm.. according to the math .255" on the circumference of the pulley is 5 degrees..so,at idle,or if you use a cheapie tach dwell,at 500 rpm is should advance a skossh over 1/4 inch...at 1000 rpm it should be hair over a half...3/4 at 1500,1 " at 2000 rpm..
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