How To Set Ford Model A Ignition (Engine) Timing

I f you recheck the timing with a timing light and pointer next to the front pulley you'll find using the method in the video, or any static timing using the pin is seldom accurate.
 
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The gear lash between the oil pump/ distributor drive gear and camshaft and the tang/ slot wear in the lower distributor shaft mostly. We check many in my club and few are even close.One gentleman has had his car since 1964 and was surprised by the difference it made us to be accurately timed
I prefer NuRex timing indicator strip to a pointer.
 
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I just don't know why some people get mega excited about setting the ignition to pin point accuracy on an A. As soon as the revs change you need to adjust the timing with the hand lever anyway - it's part of the joy of driving an A . (that is assuming you haven't got computer chip controlled ignition in which case why bother with an A and all its idiosyncrasies??):)
 
We often find cars timed with 10-15 degrees of advance with the lever all the way down.
how? I don't know.
But I do know a properly timed auto advance distributor is one of the nicest upgrades for both the car and the driver. Members of my club are gradually going to either Ford B distributor or the new Super B+ unit. Both are points style and simple to install.
 
butch chase said:
We often find cars timed with 10-15 degrees of advance with the lever all the way down.
how? I don't know.
But I do know a properly timed auto advance distributor is one of the nicest upgrades for both the car and the driver. Members of my club are gradually going to either Ford B distributor or the new Super B+ unit. Both are points style and simple to install.
Click to expand...

I have 3 B distributers and none of them work. Where are parts available to get them advancing again as they should?
 
David Renner at Renner's corner in Michigan USA is the source. But he doesn't ship outside the USA, it takes too much time for his one man operation.

if you have a state side contact or a Model a vendor you deal with, he will ship to them for forwarding. Google Renner's corner.
 
FYI I have a NuRex A-12176 Automatic Spark Timing System new for sale on Ebay. 20% discount if you buy it outside of Ebay.
 
The Super B + is a centrifugal advance distributor with the same advance range as the original B distributor, hence the name. They are built from all new components by Mean's Garage in Missouri,with common service parts from your local parts store. look similar to a Mallory.

they are local to me and nice folks to deal with. If you're on Facebook there's a Ford Model B distributor group with information too.
 
In the video, the experienced presenter also suggested removing the #1 spark plug and visually verifying that #1 is at TDC. Therefore, gear lash etc. is a non-factor any more than it would be with the engine running.
 
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