Model A timing

[Leonard]

I have my 1931 Vicky on the road but the timing still seems a bit off. I have to run it with the spark fully advanced and even then it backfires a bit and don't run really smooth. I have re timed it several time but can not seem to get it just right. Any suggestions?

 

[midgetracer]

Maybe your cam gear is off by a cog. Try advancing the distributor a bit by adjusting the distributor cam in the opposite direction of rotation a few degrees to see if this helps. Let us know how that works.

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

It should run better than you state...even it is not "just right".

Put the timing pin in the depression in the timing gear. Fully retard the spark lever, then loosen the screw on the distributor cam and place the rotor where it is in this picture...

Tighten the screw and put it back together. This should be close enough for the car to run much better.

Now, figure out what went wrong when you timed it and give it another try.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

It should run better than you state...even it is not "just right".

Put the timing pin in the depression in the timing gear. Fully retard the spark lever, then loosen the screw on the distributor cam and place the rotor where it is in this picture...

Tighten the screw and put it back together. This should be close enough for the car too run much better.

Now, figure out what went wrong when you timed it and give it another try.

May I suggest that you adjust your point gap before performing the above procedure.

Also when does it "backfire"? My car would backfire on deceleration if i had the GAV set to lean. Had nothing to do with my timing. Just a thought.

 

[burner31]

Are your spark rods adjusted to provide the correct travel in the distributor housing? Both ways, retard and advanced. Easy to check and easy to adjust.
Had mine out of whack once.

 

[JBill]

It should run better than you state...even it is not "just right".

Put the timing pin in the depression in the timing gear. Fully retard the spark lever, then loosen the screw on the distributor cam and place the rotor where it is in this picture...

Tighten the screw and put it back together. This should be close enough for the car to run much better.

Now, figure out what went wrong when you timed it and give it another try.

Position it where the actual rotor is or where the dotted outline is?

 

[Jim/GA]

Position it where the actual rotor is or where the dotted outline is?

Good question.

When timing the engine, you want the rotor tab to be where it is in the photo, not the dotted line.

The dotted line shows the position of the rotor when the plug fires and the spark lever is fully advanced.

.

 

[braol]

Where it actually is.

 

[1crosscut]

Check the flexible wire under the plate for frayed wires or loose connections.