timing light

K

keyswitch1

Senior Member
I just found an artical in the December Restorer (1989) about using a timing light on a model A! I got my first model a right after high school and never used a timing light ?
 
The timing light, of course, will work but I think they are more for a car that has a distributor that you can rotate from outside the distributor to set the timing. The Model A, on the other hand, has a dizzy that is fixed and only the rotor/cam is able to rotate, and only from the inside. To me, setting the timing with the timing pin is more appropriate. Then, if you are curious to see if you hit TDC, or want to know how advanced any given setting of the spark lever is, then go for it. Another issue I have had is getting the timing light to work with 6 volts. Mine is a cheapie, so I have to connect it to a separate 12 volt battery to get it to work well. I have gotten pretty used to setting with the timing pin and going through the drill.
 
Shocker!!

Use caution when using a timing light with a metal case on a Model A.

I have a pretty nice advancing timing light that I use quite often on my other cars. When I connected it to my Model A with the original type plug connectors and pulled the trigger I got the shock of my life. :eek: I can certainly attest that 12v Pertronix Coils put out close to 40,000 volts. :eek::eek:
 
Timing by the Model A owners manual method works fine. There weren’t any timing loghts on the farm in 1930. (Or anywhere else). :)
 
Ruth, I got the same surprise with a Pertronix and die-cast dial back timing light. I was using a separate 12 volt battery and, after reading the instructions, saw that it said an external battery should be earthed to the cars system.
I thought this might avoid the shock but have not re-tried it. Now I am nervous after reading your experience.
I think I put some polythene tube over the bronze plug connector before clamping on the inductive pickup too.
I did not like the 40000 volts up my arm for sure!
Any one else have any thoughts about this? Mine is a Jonnesway timing light
with shiny metal body.
SAJ in NZ
 
Some folks like to try and reinvent the wheel. Timing lights have their place. But, are not needed for our monsters. Its pretty easy and quick to time these old Fords once you get used to it.
 
A timing light is useful as long as you have timing marks. Handy for checking out everything. I have a battery operated light.
 
I prefer adjusting the timing using a timing light. I use a separate 12 volt battery for the light. I add a mark on the pully and a wire pointer taped to a c-clamp. Works great.
 
DannL said:
I prefer adjusting the timing using a timing light. I use a separate 12 volt battery for the light. I add a mark on the pully and a wire pointer taped to a c-clamp. Works great.
Click to expand...

To each their own, but methinks that your method is a lot more work than the "Original Ford" method.
 
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! The ignition timing on a stock model A is set with the timing lever, located on the left side of the steering column. The initial timing procedure, once done accurately, is good for the life of the engine (until the timing gears wear out). Just keep the points at the right gap and the initial timing will always be good. Some owners obsess over getting that initial setting down to a gnat's eyebrow, then start the engine and pull the timing lever down to whatever position they like, without realizing that all their fussing and futzing just went for naught!
Even if the initial timing is off a few degrees, a click or two of the timing lever makes up for it.
 
40 Deluxe said:
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! The ignition timing on a stock model A is set with the timing lever, located on the left side of the steering column. The initial timing procedure, once done accurately, is good for the life of the engine (until the timing gears wear out). Just keep the points at the right gap and the initial timing will always be good. Some owners obsess over getting that initial setting down to a gnat's eyebrow, then start the engine and pull the timing lever down to whatever position they like, without realizing that all their fussing and futzing just went for naught!
Even if the initial timing is off a few degrees, a click or two of the timing lever makes up for it.
Click to expand...

You must pull the lever down after starting to adjust for driving conditions. Leaving it in the timing position and driving with it there can damage your engine. 9:00 is a good position for most common driving.
 
700rpm said:
You must pull the lever down after starting to adjust for driving conditions. Leaving it in the timing position and driving with it there can damage your engine. 9:00 is a good position for most common driving.
Click to expand...




Thats what 40 said.
 
40 Deluxe said:
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! The ignition timing on a stock model A is set with the timing lever, located on the left side of the steering column. The initial timing procedure, once done accurately, is good for the life of the engine (until the timing gears wear out). Just keep the points at the right gap and the initial timing will always be good. Some owners obsess over getting that initial setting down to a gnat's eyebrow, then start the engine and pull the timing lever down to whatever position they like, without realizing that all their fussing and futzing just went for naught!
Even if the initial timing is off a few degrees, a click or two of the timing lever makes up for it.
Click to expand...





Yep
 
Model A's are one of the easiest cars to set the timing on . I have never felt the need to complicate the procedure .
 
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