Advance timing

[DANA BIZZELL]

When using test light to time engine is one notch enough advance timing are should timing be advanced for two notches.
Thanks
Dana

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

When timing light comes on with one notch of advance, is this enough advance timing.
Thanks
Dana

Dana, what you are asking without us knowing all the peripheral information is like asking "Is it cold outside when you opened the front door?".

There is not a good way to use a timing light without having an accurate timing indicator that can indicate TDC. The way the accuracy is established with the indicator is to be able to locate an exact TDC of the piston. About the only way this can be done is with a degree wheel mounted onto the crankshaft, and a positive stop used to accurately locate the piston. This is done by rotating the engine in one direction until the piston hits the stop, noting the degrees on the degree wheel, and then rotate the engine in the opposite direction until the piston hits the stop in that direction. This step is repeated until the degree wheel shows the same number in both directions. At that point, TDC has been established and the timing indicator can match that location.

 

[Patrick L.]

Just to continue what Brent has said.

Have you set the points correctly ?
Have you found TDC with the timing pin?
Have you pushed the left lever all the way up ?
Have you set the distributor cam so its just contacting the point arm ?

If so, and you bring the lever down one 'click' and that turns the test light on, then its OK.
If your talking about a timing light, then I'm not sure what you are doing.

 

[Curtis in MA]

I think he's asking about a test light, not a timing light.


Mostly a preference when it comes on and what head you are using.

 

[wwirz]

Best YOUTUBE video I know for timing a Model A. Tony does it via the Les Andrews book.
I cannot tell you how many times I watched this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OECApxvMMLI

 

[30 Closed Cab PU]

A great video. 2 minor things,

I could be wrong, do no think he mentioned it, turn the ignition key on when using the test lamp. For a 1st timer doing the procedure this may not be obvious.


Another tip for the 1st timer, take all 4 plugs out of the head so you do not have to fight the compression of the motor when hand cranking.

 

[Patrick L.]

I think he's asking about a test light, not a timing light.


Mostly a preference when it comes on and what head you are using.

I do too, but, one never knows since they are different.

 

[daren007]

Good grief skip the Voodoo and use the Ford method.

 

[Patrick L.]

Good grief skip the Voodoo and use the Ford method.

We kinda sorta think he is. There appears to be a terminology issue.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Good grief skip the Voodoo and use the Ford method.

But you don't understand, like most of the comments found on social media sites, he wants his Model-A to be a 'Driver' where he can actually drive it with reliability! Therefore, just like everybody else, the car needs to have modern upgrades and methods done to it.

 

[Jack Shaft]

Knowing TDC is critical,my dimple was drilled dead on by McEachern. Funny,worrying about timing with a manual advance distributor,with fixed timing you are only 'right' at the correct RPM. Setting the lever at '9 o'clock' and driving the car means that when the engine is under acceleration the timing is either too far advanced or retarded. Its 'period correct' I realize that..but look at it this way,that FSI zipper is a better investment than a high compression head when it comes to engine performance and engine life..