The Ford Barn

Wick · 08-21-2022, 07:13 PM

I can usually dial a Model A in pretty quick, This one was kicking my butt. The timing kept changing, so I swapped in a second rebuilt Distributor. Same problem... I was starting to think the timing gear was loose on the cam. Well I found the problem, it was hidden by grease. The lever on the end of the spark rod was worn out. You can in the pictures the issue, gas lever is just as bad. Replaced everything and not the timing is perfect. Never give up!

Y-Blockhead · 08-21-2022, 07:28 PM

Good find, thanks for sharing!

Big hammer · 08-21-2022, 08:12 PM

Good find ! Thanks for sharing

nkaminar · 08-22-2022, 05:54 AM

After reading this I ran out to the garage and put some heavy oil on the ends of my rods.

old31 · 08-22-2022, 08:51 AM

I am shocked that a worn ball could make a difference in timing. I don't get it?

rotorwrench · 08-22-2022, 09:02 AM

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The rods depend on the spring in each end that hold the rod to the ball. Weak springs could also be a problem but worn ball ends will have the affect of less spring pressure.

History · 08-22-2022, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old31

I am shocked that a worn ball could make a difference in timing. I don't get it?

On a 1930 and I believe 1931 the steering column can be loosened from the steering box and turned/adjusted so you get all of the retard and start from a known position. The 28-29 steering column doesn’t do that so if there is wear in the linkage it will limit your advance/retard, starting at a known position. Hope that made sense and don’t hold me to any dates on which vehicles had the adjustable steering column.

Y-Blockhead · 08-22-2022, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

After reading this I ran out to the garage and put some heavy oil on the ends of my rods.

When checking the oil before a days outing I always put a drop or two of oil from the end of the dipstick on the rod ends and throttle cross shaft. Certainly can't hurt.

katy · 08-22-2022, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Good find, thanks for sharing!

Ditto

08-21-2022, 07:28 PM	#2
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,871	Re: Timing problems Good find, thanks for sharing!

08-21-2022, 08:12 PM	#3
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,150	Re: Timing problems Good find ! Thanks for sharing __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

08-22-2022, 05:54 AM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 4,001	Re: Timing problems After reading this I ran out to the garage and put some heavy oil on the ends of my rods. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

08-22-2022, 08:51 AM	#5
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,124	Re: Timing problems I am shocked that a worn ball could make a difference in timing. I don't get it?

08-22-2022, 09:02 AM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,483	Re: Timing problems Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The rods depend on the spring in each end that hold the rod to the ball. Weak springs could also be a problem but worn ball ends will have the affect of less spring pressure.