The Ford Barn

insomniacshotrods · 12-20-2013, 01:53 AM

Having never done this before i took my good running engine and thought id learn how to time it, how hard can it be? Pulled #1 spark plug ,put a piece of masking tape lightly across hole ,and got my timing pin out and turned around . After fighting the hand crank and trying to feel the timing pin drop in for over an hour, I thought there has got to be a better way. I cut the shaft off the Taiwan hand crank and found a 17mm socket fit perfect so i welded that on, but still needed to use an extension to clear light bar. Made up a light with clips and got the nu rex wrench,not necessary but I already had it, and most important to me was the ez set timing tool. http://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/T6254.html Made it a heck of alot easier. Watch for the tape to blow up,then watch your rotor as it nears pointing to #1 piston,then just watch and see when pin move in. Attach your test light and do as follows http://youtu.be/mwirH7f0a9o .Also more good info https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125157. My car now has that distinctive Model A idle sound with both levers up and runs great. Many thanks to the people on here who helped me and my model a buddy Dan. I hope this can help someone new to the hobby like myself.

johnbuckley · 12-20-2013, 04:24 AM

On an unknown engine (of any make) I find the simplest way of finding tdc is to slacken off the number 1 plug slightly and then a paint a bit of soapy water around it. Great fun watching the bubbles on compression inflate and deflate as it passes when turning it by hand and never fails.

V4F · 12-20-2013, 10:02 AM

get les Andrews red book

johnbuckley · 12-20-2013, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V4F

get les Andrews red book

WHAT???? you mean read the instructions!!??

BILL WILLIAMSON · 12-20-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbuckley

WHAT???? you mean read the instructions!!??

YEP! After ALL else FAILS, read the DANG INSTRUCTIONS!!!!! (My Dog reads EVERYTHING for me!)
Bill W.

whirnot · 12-20-2013, 10:19 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I think a lot of guys are expecting the pin to "drop" in and in truth the movement is way more subtle than expected. I also like that NU Rex timing tool. Makes it a breeze

12-20-2013, 04:24 AM	#2
johnbuckley Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,441	Re: Model A engine timing for a new guy On an unknown engine (of any make) I find the simplest way of finding tdc is to slacken off the number 1 plug slightly and then a paint a bit of soapy water around it. Great fun watching the bubbles on compression inflate and deflate as it passes when turning it by hand and never fails.

12-20-2013, 10:02 AM	#3
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Model A engine timing for a new guy get les Andrews red book __________________ V4f

12-20-2013, 10:19 PM	#6
whirnot Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bend Or. Posts: 1,056	Re: Model A engine timing for a new guy Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I think a lot of guys are expecting the pin to "drop" in and in truth the movement is way more subtle than expected. I also like that NU Rex timing tool. Makes it a breeze __________________ Bill Worden 1929 Roadster 1929 Briggs Town Sedan 1930 Closed Cab pickup Smith Motor Compressor 1951 Ford F1 High Desert Model A's

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12-20-2013, 01:53 AM	#1
insomniacshotrods Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 267	Model A engine timing for a new guy Having never done this before i took my good running engine and thought id learn how to time it, how hard can it be? Pulled #1 spark plug ,put a piece of masking tape lightly across hole ,and got my timing pin out and turned around . After fighting the hand crank and trying to feel the timing pin drop in for over an hour, I thought there has got to be a better way. I cut the shaft off the Taiwan hand crank and found a 17mm socket fit perfect so i welded that on, but still needed to use an extension to clear light bar. Made up a light with clips and got the nu rex wrench,not necessary but I already had it, and most important to me was the ez set timing tool. http://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/T6254.html Made it a heck of alot easier. Watch for the tape to blow up,then watch your rotor as it nears pointing to #1 piston,then just watch and see when pin move in. Attach your test light and do as follows http://youtu.be/mwirH7f0a9o .Also more good info https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125157. My car now has that distinctive Model A idle sound with both levers up and runs great. Many thanks to the people on here who helped me and my model a buddy Dan. I hope this can help someone new to the hobby like myself. __________________ Enjoy life , it has an expiration date. Last edited by insomniacshotrods; 12-20-2013 at 08:41 AM.