The Ford Barn

Epetek1 · 09-02-2023, 03:46 PM

the connecting link between the steering column and the distributer does not seem to have any effect on retarding the engine although it is connected to the plate on the distributor.

Should be any easy fix, possible retiming the engine but any ideas appreciated.
Pete in Lagrangeville NY

[email protected]

rotorwrench · 09-02-2023, 04:33 PM

Generally, the more the spark is retarded at idle, the more the rpm slows until it just pitter patters along. It may just need readjustment. It should adjust to full retard. If it doesn't then the chance of a kickback increases. Kickback can damage the starter bendix or give a hand cranker a Ford fracture.

MilwaukeeMike · 09-02-2023, 04:45 PM

Does the lever on the column move the full range? If not, that limits the amount you can advance or retard spark.

nkaminar · 09-02-2023, 07:39 PM

Try re adjusting the timing according to standard practice. If the problem persists, try loosing the screw for the distributor cam and turning the cam a slight amount clockwise, perhaps 4 degrees, and re tighten the screw without the cam moving.

TMarsh · 09-03-2023, 08:55 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Had the same problem, try what nkminor suggested, when I used the nurex tool I had the same problem. not to say it was the tools fault, using the book method worked great, a little more trouble, but the results were just way better.

09-02-2023, 03:46 PM	#1
Epetek1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 148	retard lever problem the connecting link between the steering column and the distributer does not seem to have any effect on retarding the engine although it is connected to the plate on the distributor. Should be any easy fix, possible retiming the engine but any ideas appreciated. Pete in Lagrangeville NY [email protected]

09-02-2023, 04:33 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: retard lever problem Generally, the more the spark is retarded at idle, the more the rpm slows until it just pitter patters along. It may just need readjustment. It should adjust to full retard. If it doesn't then the chance of a kickback increases. Kickback can damage the starter bendix or give a hand cranker a Ford fracture.

09-02-2023, 04:45 PM	#3
MilwaukeeMike Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 28	Re: retard lever problem Does the lever on the column move the full range? If not, that limits the amount you can advance or retard spark.

09-02-2023, 07:39 PM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: retard lever problem Try re adjusting the timing according to standard practice. If the problem persists, try loosing the screw for the distributor cam and turning the cam a slight amount clockwise, perhaps 4 degrees, and re tighten the screw without the cam moving. __________________ 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.

09-03-2023, 08:55 AM	#5
TMarsh Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 131	Re: retard lever problem Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Had the same problem, try what nkminor suggested, when I used the nurex tool I had the same problem. not to say it was the tools fault, using the book method worked great, a little more trouble, but the results were just way better.