Are there any good books or manuals that explain how to time first gen flathead? Something that explains vacuum brakes etc. and parts breakdown.l see lots of crab style info but nothing on 1934 distributor. I can't seem to wrap the idea of not turning a later style distributor to change timing. How to check vacuum etc.
First gen. Timing question
- Thread starter mikebell
- Start date
BUBBAS IGNITION
Well-known member
rotorwrench
Well-known member
When you get to know the old Marion Mallory designed system that FoMoCo used, you will come to realize how simple it is. The timing was basically fixed with the exception of the vacuum brake to retard spark a bit when pulling a load. It's really rather ingenious in its simplicity but was further simplified in 1942 when the crab came out. The war time years made them develop a more water tight system of high tension pulse delivery so it got a bit more complex with that but still no muss no fuss. The 1945/48 units can easily be converted back to the crab cap design. The old helmet type had everything in one package but with three bolts, it was a bit more difficult to remove for service.
The key is getting a reliable coil and a good quality condenser. The rest of the info can be found on line or in any of the appropriate Ford Service documents. The rebuilt coils from Skip Haney are better than the originals and he has a good guarantee.
The key is getting a reliable coil and a good quality condenser. The rest of the info can be found on line or in any of the appropriate Ford Service documents. The rebuilt coils from Skip Haney are better than the originals and he has a good guarantee.
deuce_roadster
Well-known member
A small change in timing is accomplished by rotating the plate in the distributor the points are attached to (loosen Screw with metal timing marks on plate, move). You accomplish the same thing with modern distributors by rotating the whole distributor.