https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=18&Topic=14274
This is what I have found so far (please correct me if/where I am wrong, as I am trying to learn this). My apologies for this being so long:
There are at least three versions of the KR Wilson V126:
1) Early version for V8 only has only an “F” on the rotating Disk
2) Middle version has an “F” and an “L” on the rotating disk, the “L” being added for the Lincoln V12.
3) Last version has both the “F” and the “L,” and a moveable protractor to read the dwell.
Some versions have a wooden box, possibly the earlier versions, as so far I have never seen one without the protractor/dwell scale mounted on a metal box.
Notes:
1) The left (driver’s side) points control the spark. When these open, the spark occurs. The duration of the dwell for these points is set by their eccentric screw. The timing of the actual opening is set by the Timing Disc.
2) The closing of the right (passenger side) points start the dwell.
3) There is an overlap where both points are closed. This determines the total dwell.
4) The reason for the two sets of points is to increase the dwell time (time for coil saturation).
Using the earlier version without the protractor/dwell scale:
1) The points are set to .014-.016” using a feeler gauge. There is no provision for measuring the dwell, only the timing.
2) The timing is correct the light goes out exactly when the “F” line on the disk lines up with the Master Mark on the casting of the unit.
3) If the timing is not correct:
a. The spark advance lock screw is loosened as little as possible to allow movement of the timing Timing Disc.
b. The timing is then moved (counter-clockwise) to the full retarded position.
c. The disc on the unit is rotated several full turns.
d. The disc is then turned until the pin (to the left of the master mark) can be dropped into the hole in the disc.
e. The spark advance is then moved slowly in the clockwise direction, until the light just goes out.
f. The spark advance lock screw is tightened down.
g. The pin is pulled back up from the hole in the disc and the disc rotated- The timing is correct the light goes out exactly when the “F” line on the disk lines up with the Master Mark on the casting of the unit.
This seems to accomplish the same thing as KenCT does where he measures the gap and then adjusts the firing point with a straight edge.
Using the later version with the protractor- The procedure for using this version is more lengthy and uses the setting of the dwell for each set of points, individually, to set both the time when the dwell starts and its duration. The firing point is still determined by adjusting the spark advance:
1) The dwell for the left/driver’s side set of points it set up to exactly 22.5 degrees as follows:
a. A piece of paper between the right/passenger side points to insulate them.
b. The disc is rotated counter-clockwise until the light just comes on.
c. The protractor/dwell scale is moved to the location of an “F” line.
d. The disc is rotated counter-clockwise again until the light just goes out-if this does not measure out at 22.5 degrees, the points are adjusted by rotating the eccentric screw and the test repeated.
e. Once 22.5 degrees of dwell is achieved, the locking screw for the left/driver’s side points is tightened.
2) As with the older model, the timing is correct the light goes out exactly when the “F” line on the disk lines up with the Master Mark on the casting of the unit. If the timing is not correct:
a. The spark advance lock screw is loosened as little as possible to allow movement of the timing Timing Disc.
b. The timing is then moved (counter-clockwise) to the full retarded position.
c. The disc on the unit is again rotated several full turns to eliminate any slack.
d. The disc is then turned until the pin (to the left of the master mark) can be dropped into the hole in the disc.
e. The spark advance is then moved slowly in the clockwise direction, until the light just goes out.
f. The spark advance lock screw is tightened down.
g. The protactor/dwell scale is rotated until the 45 degree mark lines up with the Mastermark on the casting of the unit.
h. The pin is pulled back up from the hole in the disc and the disc rotated counter-clockwise again, several times to remove slack.
3) The dwell is then set for the left set of points, with the goal being 22.5 degrees.
a. Remove the paper insulation from the right/passenger side points and place it between the right/driver’s side points.
b. Rotate the disc counter-clockwise until an “F” line, lines up with the 10 degree mark on the protractor (the protractor still with the 45 degree line, lined up with the Master Mark).
c. Adjust the eccentric screw on the right/passenger side points until the light just comes on-the light should stay on until the “F” line passes 22.5 degrees (the 32.5 degree mark on the protractor/dwell scale).
d. The locking screw for the right/passenger side points is now tightened.
4) The overall dwell and timing are now tested with no paper insulators installed and both the locking screws for the points tight, and the one that locks the timing disc tight. The protractor/dwell scale is still positioned with the 45 degree mark aligned with the Master Mark on the unit. When he disc is rotated counter-clockwise:
a. The light should come on when an “F” mark lines up with the 10 degree mark on the protractor/dwell scale.
b. The light should go out when the “F” mark lines up with the 45 degree mark on the protractor/dwell scale which is in line with the Master Mark on the unit-35 degrees total dwell.
All of this assumes that the points are correct-not poorly made reproductions, the distributor is in good shape mechanically, etc.
After the new points break in, the timing will alter, possibly requiring the distributor to be removed and re-set up.
A stroboscope is a better way to set up an early Ford distributor.
The above information was gleaned from the Ford V8 Service Bulletins, the K.R. Wilson Instructions, posts by people on this forum, the Ford Barn, and other areas of the internet.
Am I more or less, on course here?
This message was edited by RAK402 on 10-25-20 @ 10:07 PM
