distributor and spark advance

W

wbs

Senior Member
hello-one fellow told me that if a car has sparkv adv that the driver does not need to do anything with the spark adv lever--true or false? or might it depend on the type of distributor such as one with a vacuum advance? if so how do i tell? i am a beginner thanks in advance
 
The standard Model T setup does not have a distributer. It has a timer that sequentially grounds the coil boxes in order to produce a spark at the right time. The spark advance lever is attached to and rotates the timer in order to advance or retard the spark. There are conversions available for the Model T which replace the timer and coil boxes with a distributer and a single coil. Some of those distributers may have centrifugal and vacuum spark advance mechanisms built into them. A vacuum advance is easy to spot- there'd be a vacuum line running to a diaphragm on the distributer. To check for a centrifugal advance, you'd need to take the upper plate off of the distributer to check if there are spring loaded weights beneath. If the distributer installed has built in advance mechanisms, then it is likely that the spark lever isn't attached to anything.
 
one versus the other... ws

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OEM Ford commutator

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Distributor with bell crank that turns the head to advance

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I have a spare , never installed unit with spare points, cap condenser and rotor that I'd like to sell... taking offers
 
I own three ts all with a distributor with automatic advance. Just hit the starter and drive them, advance is scaled (curved) based on engine rpm.
All three runs perfect !!!!!!!!

Bill, I can use you distributor adapter what ya need for it....... Maybe trade for a curved set up Buick dist ???
 
thanks to all-i guess the easiest thing is to check whether there is an advance on the distrib is to see if the spark adv lever is hooked up
 
BUBBAS IGNITION said:
I own three ts all with a distributor with automatic advance. Just hit the starter and drive them, advance is scaled (curved) based on engine rpm.
All three runs perfect !!!!!!!!

Bill, I can use you distributor adapter what ya need for it....... Maybe trade for a curved set up Buick dist ???
Click to expand...



Hey Bub... The 455 HEI does need to be gone through, who knows what the advance curve is on it. The Buick V8 forum specialist recommends degree-ing the advance weights with a "advance dial " timing light or an advanced TDC mark on the damper. Recommends like 40 degrees advance at 2000 RPM plus the vacuum for town driving. Take a look around the V8 Buick forum for details. Lotsa hot rod guys over there...
Now we know what the new T job is worth and its got a bunch on new spares. The guy I bought it from had lost the drive (cam gear) and I spoke with a T vendor in Oregon (?), ( Not a texas T job but a texas speed t job I think) and bought the last available drive gear on earth...(according to him!) that alone was $50. Make me a super deal and we'll talk! ws

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?277437-shifting-issues&highlight=power+timing+thread

Larry70GS seems to be the guy. You may drum up some business there as well. Heres the mess Im up against. Would like to do the HEI next winter. Right now my power steering HP hose is leaking like a sieve. Need to get a new on ASAP for the upcoming shows!

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