model t engine timing

M

mike37cdn

Senior Member
witch is the best way to time the engine on the t i have a 26 t some say to measure after tdc i think it said 5/16 of an inch another was use a dial gauge after tdc go 91 de and set the time and rod when number one fires not sure witch one is better to use or is there an easy way to do this thanks rebuilt the engine with alum pistons for higher compression the rest is stock
 
We try and get the crank pin inside the front pulley to line up at the 9:30 -3:30 position. Not sure if you can see it on a 26. You can shine a light down the spark plug hole and have someone crank it over by hand until you see the #1 piston start down. Then with the spark rod disconnected and the spark lever all the way up, rotate the timer until the coil just starts to buzz. Bend the spark rod in the big end to make it fit the timer hole. Hope that helps.
 
OR you could call this guy and buy this tool for the Model T engine.
I have never had Ts that ran so well until i bought this tool from a friednd in our t club in Indy!!!!
If ya was in the neighborhood i would loan you the tool!!!!!
I forgot what they cost ( they are in Snyders catalog) but not overly expensive.....
 

Attachments

  • 100_8428.jpg
    100_8428.jpg
    44.4 KB · Views: 123
once timed you get it started at retard position, then as you run down the road adjust the timing by ear, yes I said ear, that's the beauty of a T listen for the engine and set it where it sounds the best. Up hills you will need to retard slightly. Once you get used to it that's what makes a T so special.
 
piece of 1/2" pipe with weed wacker string in it. Make the string long enough to not drop the string down the hole.
 
The tool for finding TDC on a Model T costs less than a nickel.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3641 copy.jpg
    IMG_3641 copy.jpg
    67.3 KB · Views: 161
  • IMG_3642 copy.jpg
    IMG_3642 copy.jpg
    66.6 KB · Views: 145
  • IMG_3643 copy.jpg
    IMG_3643 copy.jpg
    66.7 KB · Views: 142
ok it works good for tdc now how do you find 15 de i talked toan old macanic he saids they had a measurment of how far to move the piston down to set the timmer
 
Move the crank clockwise looking at the front of the car until the pin in the pulley is pointing at 9:30 to 3:30. That will give you 15 degrees. The idea is that you want to make sure that the piston is starting the downstroke to prevent kickback.
 
Finding TDC: With the plug out of #1, put your thumb over the hole. Pull the crank until you feel compression from the rising piston. Look at the crank pin. Pull the crank until the pin is horizontal, like this. That's TDC.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0383 copy.jpg
    IMG_0383 copy.jpg
    41.3 KB · Views: 64
Heck, I just bring No 1 up on compression, look in the hole and when the piston goes over the top and is just starts on it's down stroke, I set my timing with the lever up. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top