Setting the timing

Bob Johnson

Bob Johnson

Well-known member
On a recent tour I had a problem with the distributor. Rather than trying to figure out the problem on the road it was quicker to just swap out the distributor. I borrowed a spare distributor from someone in the tour group. Since it was not set to the correct timing for my car I had to adjust it. Before I took out the bad distributor I used the timing pin to get the engine at TDC for cylinder #1. I noted the position of the rotor. When I put in the replacement distributor I set the rotor to the same position. Easy-peasy. Below is a picture of rotor position at TDC. You do not need any fancy tool just align the rotor to the position shown in the picture.
Bob Johnson
timing01.jpg
 
Bob Johnson said:
On a recent tour I had a problem with the distributor. Rather than trying to figure out the problem on the road it was quicker to just swap out the distributor. I borrowed a spare distributor from someone in the tour group. Since it was not set to the correct timing for my car I had to adjust it. Before I took out the bad distributor I used the timing pin to get the engine at TDC for cylinder #1. I noted the position of the rotor. When I put in the replacement distributor I set the rotor to the same position. Easy-peasy. Below is a picture of rotor position at TDC. You do not need any fancy tool just align the rotor to the position shown in the picture.
Bob Johnson
timing01.jpg
Click to expand...

Good going. I am sure you were close but it wouldn't hurt to still check your timing if the point gap was not the same between the two distributors.
 
Last edited:
For me close is good enough. I use the spark lever to fine tune the timing. With the engine warmed up and at idle I retard the lever all the way. Then slowly move it down. The engine speed will increase as the lever is lowered. At some point the engine speed will no longer increase. This is place where the lever should be set after warm up.


Bob
 
Bob Johnson said:
For me close is good enough. I use the spark lever to fine tune the timing. With the engine warmed up and at idle I retard the lever all the way. Then slowly move it down. The engine speed will increase as the lever is lowered. At some point the engine speed will no longer increase. This is place where the lever should be set after warm up.


Bob
Click to expand...

Whatever... :rolleyes:
 
Bob Johnson, I don't see the photo you referenced. Are you running a stock Model A distributor configuration?
 
Good enough to get off the side of the road and get you someplace, I would take the time afterwards to make it really right. There are variables due to manufacturing, and wear. After all, don't we all like to tinker a bit and get it as good and reliable as possible!
 
Well, I did hand crank it after replacing the distributor and it started right up. I checked the timing the normal way and it was spot on.


Rob, the reason you can not see the picture is your internet provider will not let you view pictures on my web site. My web site has a Comcast (Xfinity) IP address and some providers block all Comcast web addresses. You likely can not go to my web site at www.modelahouse.com.




Bob
 
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