Brattons timing calibration tool

C

cjkohnast

Senior Member
This tool is great.I have timed model As in the past without problem. Put in a rebuilt distributor and had a big problem trying to time it.Two guys one on the crank and one on the pin, still not able to time it.Started thinking about opening it up to see what was wrong with the dimple. Before doing that let me give Brattons tool a shot Screwed the tool in and had it timed without help in five minuets
 
All that is needed is a rubber band to hold tension on the timing pin; this keeps your hands free and makes it easier to observe the pin movement as the engine is turned over.
Remove number one spark plug hold thumb over plug hole and BUMP engine over with starter until a rush of air is noticed. Stop at this point as you then know that number one is approaching TDC on the compression stroke. At this point the dimple is close to alignment with pin.
NU REX also makes a distributor cam tool which takes all the guess work out of setting the cam and rotor in the proper location. This is one of the best things since sliced bread.
 
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The tool now available looks like a good idea. On some cars it is difficult to locate the timing dimple. What I do is rotate the engine until it is about to come up on #1. Then using a dental mirror and a flashlight I look to the timing dimple. I can do this by myself by standing behind the front bumper with my knee on the crank. By pushing on the crank I can see the dimple come up in the window. On my car I painted the dimple with red nail polish before I installed the timing gear.

Tom Endy
 
When I'm timing an engine I have already assembled, I am always pleased I anticipated this and drilled the dimple deeper (and sharpened the pin). Mine are driver cars, not show cars so I have no issue with putting a timing mark on the front pulley to help next time. When assembling an engine, I set it to TDC by looking at he valves on #4 and don't worry about the timing dimple. The head then goes on and I time the distributor.
That tool might help some but I can't see me buying one any time soon.
 
Same tool, different retailers, contradictory instructions?

Brattons:
This tool is the easiest tool we've seen to find that dimple in the timing gear. Simply remove the stock pin, screw this tool into the timing cover until the ring at the end hangs loosely. Then start turning the engine over once the ring stands you has found top dead center on #1.

Snyders:
Simply remove your timing pin and thread this tool in until the key ring on the end starts to loosen. Rotate the motor with the hand crank until the key ring flops. When this happens, you know you’re in the detent of the cam gear
 
Having looked at the image of the tool in the other thread but never having seen one in real life, I'd say Brattons has it right. Snyders directions should be taken with a grain of salt by my experience.
 
Hadn't seen this tool before. I like it. Made one out of bits and pieces tonight. will try in out tomorrow.
 
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