Dimensioned drawing of flathead V8 engine

R

RogerM

Junior Member
I have been reviewing all the posts in relation to finding TDC and setting the initial timing – this forum has been a fantastic source of information - thanks.
As well as the various other methods mentioned in this forum for finding TDC, I read one on the forum which mentions an alternate method based on measurements of #2 and #3 pistons being at the same height when #1 is at TDC. I have seen this in the book by Victor Page (The Ford V8 Cars and Trucks, page 200, figure 94), but have not seen this mentioned anywhere else.
Similarly, the ruler method for setting initial timing (on the three bolt distributor) has been referenced to the 1934 Ford patent, but I have not seen it written down anywhere else. I also have reverse-engineered the three bolt initial timing (static) from the 1946 ruler method for the two bolt distributor which seems to align with the centre of the retaining bolt hole on the three bolt distributor as mentioned elsewhere (many times) on this forum.

What I am specifically interested in is the detailed engineering drawings for the engine which has the three bolt “divers helmet” type distributor. I have seen some drawings on the internet that have been derived from the Service Bulletins (into a CAD package I assume).

Has anyone developed more detailed engineering drawings, or have scanned copies of originals, which would enable confirmation of the TDC and initial timing processes as mentioned above?

regards

Roger
(Canberra, Australia)
 
Great idea for OHV engines. With flatheads, won't oil exit cylinder thru intake/exhaust valves before rising up the tube?
 
The best way to locate TDC is with a dead stop. With the two piston method you sited, as with a lot of other methods, there is a lot of movement of the crank with very little movement of the piston(s). With a dead stop you are checking the piston movement away from the top position and you end up with a much more accurate and repeatable method.
 
Thanks for responses. The “dead stop” method and the two piston method I mentioned are very similar in sensitivity. The latter is best explained by the attached instructions and drawing from the Victor Page book I previously mentioned. I have tried both methods and they gave exactly the same result.

The reason I am requesting to see if anyone has the engineering drawings is to see if the previously mentioned two bolt distributor and three bolt distributor static timing methods (using a ruler) can be confirmed from the drawings – which would mean that setting initial timing via these methods is as per the design by Henry’s engineers – and no need to take a head off! Even if I can’t confirm via engineering drawings, I will use this method.

Roger
 

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Valves are both closed on compression stroke so the oil method should work fine. It is accurate to within 1/2 degree so for ignition purposes it will get you there.
 
RogerM said:
Thanks for responses. The “dead stop” method and the two piston method I mentioned are very similar in sensitivity. The latter is best explained by the attached instructions and drawing from the Victor Page book I previously mentioned. I have tried both methods and they gave exactly the same result.

The reason I am requesting to see if anyone has the engineering drawings is to see if the previously mentioned two bolt distributor and three bolt distributor static timing methods (using a ruler) can be confirmed from the drawings – which would mean that setting initial timing via these methods is as per the design by Henry’s engineers – and no need to take a head off! Even if I can’t confirm via engineering drawings, I will use this method.

Roger
Click to expand...

Interesting. If one of the objectives is to locate TDC without removing a head, you can insert something into the cylinder through the spark plug opening that will act as a dead stop. It is a little harder to get repeatable results, but if you check it several times you can get an accurate reading. Once you have TDC established you should be able to test the distributor operation with a timing light on the engine and see what is going on.

I realize what you want is the engineering drawing, but I have no idea how to come by that short of the Ford archives and it still may not contain what you are looking for. So, was suggesting some alternative approaches while you search.
 
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