Setting the timing mark on distributor

[storyteller]

I just got my '39 Flatty engine back together and running. Have new carb, rebuilt distributor, new points, wires, etc. It starts at the touch of the ignition starter button, idles fine. Problem: when I rev it up (in neutral) she pops with a backfire through the exhaust. I took her off the car dollys and drove around in my driveway, upon the slightest load it pops quite a bit. Question: which way should I move the setting on the distributor timing adjustment, UP or DOWN a bit?

[Kahuna]

If you have the original Diving Helmet style distributor, to advance the timing (which is what I'd suggest) move the adjustment UP, by loosening up the screw on the passenger side of the distributor. As I recall, each notch equals 2 degrees.
Normal would have the adjustment mid-point.
Hope this is understandable
Jim
If advancing the timing doesn't help, you may have some other problem.
Carb perhaps?

[storyteller]

Thanks Jim. I understand and will give that a try. The carb is brand new, but who knows. I should have gone down to the barn to check the current position of the timing mark on the distributor to be more specific before sending my posting.

[FlatheadTed]

If your distributor was set up by a shop then I would be looking somewhere else first such as a lean mixture or sucking air ,pull the choke a bit if it smooth's out then you have the secondary jets blocked .or a leaky manifold or carb gasket .pull a [plug wire and see if it turns yellow on revving it ,Ted 1

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Crossed spark plug wire. Walt

[oldford2]

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Now Walt, you are confusing me on this fender location. Is the right front fender on the left if you are facing the car or on the right. Or if you are in the back seat laying down where would it be. Or, if you were in the back seat laying down who cares where the damn fender is?
John
OOps, this post should have been on the helmet distributor post

[deuce_roadster]

Oldford2, this reminds me of a question on my high school physics final. "When you look in a mirror right to left writing is backwards but up and down are not, why is this?" Of course, up and down don't rely on which way you are looking but "right" and "left" do!.

[48 coupe]

Do what Walt says. Ben there done that. 2 wires crossed. won't cost a thing, and won't take long