1931 Model A Timing Pin

X

xkeots

Member
My 31 Model A 5 Window coupe is running like crap. Partial back firing and when I shut off it's a ***** to restart. I want to put in new points but I tried to set the timing pin in it's hole first. I did a complete revolution of the damper with no feel of the hole for timing pin.
Am I missing something besides the timing hole? I want to drive the car but getting too old to have to push it. Needs new points as it's been years and I think after many seasons of sanding points for contact, it's time for new.
Car ran pretty good in 2015 except for a slight backfire from where the muffler pipe meets the exhaust manifold. I put the copper spacer and muffler tape over the space under clamp as with copper spacer it still leaked.
Thanks
Jax
1931 Ford Model A
 
I use a short Phillips screwdriver instead of the pin since it has a sharper point and finds the dimple easier. Have the spark plugs out so it turns easier and get it close to TDC as it is building compression on #1. Then slowly turn the crank with the screwdriver pushed into the timing cover.
 
My advice is to first re-set the points to .020. Then since it is a somewhat running engine, crank the engine around with the crank until the rotor is almost to the number one post on the distributor. Remove the timing pin and with a small mirror and a flashlight slowly crank the engine a bit more until the marker on the cam comes into view and is centered in the pin hole window. Adjust the cam on the distributor shaft so that the points are just cracking open. If you remove the spark plugs first it makes it easier to rotate the engine.

I can do this by myself. After I crank the engine to almost the number one post, I stand between the bumper and the radiator and put my knee on the crank handle and with a small dental mirror and a flashlight I can view the pin hole and I push with my knee for the final engine rotation.

Tom Endy
 
2X what Art Newland wrote. The crank make 2 revolutions for every 1 revolution of the cam gear, where the timing dimple is located.

Are you a member of the Model A Ford Club of Long Island? The next meeting is tomorrow, 9/28 at 8:00 PM at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Round Swamp Road in Bethpage. Come down, introduce yourself, make friends.
 
I spent two days trying to find the dimple on the 31. Finally had to pull the cover to expose the timing gear. The dimple was there but it was filled with gasket cement and was nearly invisible. Go figger.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top