Distributor Conversion Timing on a 24 T

M

ModelT192

Junior Member
Hello There!
I have a distributor conversion on my T and I am not sure that it is set right. The reason I say this is because after running the car shutting it down and trying to restart it when its hot, sometimes it wont start you have to do some playing around with the spark advance and such. Could this be a timing issue. I would just like to verify that it is set at the proper specs.


Thanks!
 
We usually set the T using a timing tool to approx 15 btdc, with a distributor conversion.
Then our distributor automatically adds another 15-20 degrees at 2000 rpm.....
 
I will have to disagree on the start up setting for the average car owner. Most all instructions I have seen and setup to, say to set the static timing so the points are just about to open just past TDC with the timing lever in the full up position. Most T's unless built to the balls rarely get past 1500 to 1600 RPM. Setting at 15 BTDC is a good way to break your arm or starter Bendix.
 
Well I talked to a few others and they say to be safe only set it about 1/8 below TDC. I understand that part but where is my starting point on the distributor?????? Do I go by the first spark plug wire or something??
 
Which distributor do you have? In most cases; disregard which wire is No 1 for now that may change.
Get your motor to just past TDC on the compression stroke (take all the spark plugs out). Loosen the distributor head so it can rotate or remove the timing rod if so equipped. Connect a battery powered light to both sides of the points. If the light is on rotate the distributor head (if its a Bosch/Delco type or move the whole unit if its an At-Water type) in the direction that the distributor cam turns a little till the light goes off and points open, then turn the other way just till the light comes on. If the light is off turn till it just comes on.
This is assuming that it was set close in the first place. Depending on your type, lock the head down or bend the timing rod to fit.
If it is way off to start with in most types it involves pulling the distributor off turning the distributor shaft and reattaching till you are close to a point were the points are about to open then setting as describe above. This can mean that your No 1 terminal can change. Then just rewire it so the wires are in the correct order 1243. Because of the design, clip on and front plate distributors do not have a dedicated No 1 spot and are set to which ever terminal lines up.
 
It's a bit complicated the first time but here goes: You'll need to know the direction the distributor turns when running , a 6 volt test lamp and something to stick in the plug hole like a wooden dowel. Pull the #1 plug. Crank the engine by hand until the #1 piston is coming up on compression. Your rotor should be facing or nearing the #1 plug wire terminal on the cap. As you getting close put the dowel in the plug hole and watch it as it moves up and stop just before TDC. This may take a few tries. Perhaps a pencil mark on the dowel when it stops moving will help. In other words go to TDC mark the dowel, go around again to near TDC and stop cranking just before the piston stops moving up. (tricky but important and make sure whatever you use can't drop into the cylinder like a long dowel). Make sure your points are correctly set. Hook up the test lamp to the wire going to the points and turn the ign. switch on. (batt) Rotate the distributor against it's running direction until the light comes on. ( if it turns clockwise when running turn it counter clockwise). Then rotate it back until the light just goes out. If the lights on turn it in the direction it rotates only. No need to go backwards. Don't move the distributor any more when the light goes out. Adjust/bend the rod until it drops in the dist hole with the spark lever fully up. You should be aces if done correctly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top