Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

hallo


maybe who knows this Information


the data for thecentrifugal force adjustment (speed-dependent adjustment) and the vacuumadjustment (load-dependent adjustment)for the ford 8 BA Engine.


regards erich

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

If it is an original load-a-matic distributor there is not a centrifugal advance. They are vacuum advance only and the vacuum source must be the carburetor vacuum port. The carburetor has to be the correct type with the correct ports for this distributor.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

The manifold is being rebuilt and programmed, so a curve is needed to program it.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

The manifold should not have anything to do with the distributor. The advance curve is changed by messing with the springs inside the distributor.

http://www.bubbasignition.com/49-53.html

Might explain a little more about what you are attempting to do. If it involves much modification to the engine you would be a lot better off replacing the load-a-matic distributor with a distributor that does have both centrifugal and vacuum advance, or at least centrifugal advance. You can modify Chevy distributors to work or use an aftermarket distributors such as a Mallory.

http://www.bubbasignition.com/loadam...lacements.html

The Bubba links are for reference only as he is currently not accepting orders. There are other sources/individuals here on the Barn that can help you with a replacement distributor if that is something you are wanting to do.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

and what is a or the Standard curve for the 8 ba engine?

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

I really don't know, would have to look it up. But in general a flathead wants the advance all in by 2000 to 2400 range and a maximum advance of somewhere around 20 to 24 degrees. Initial advance originally was at 4 degrees I believe. With a more modern distributor that has both centrifugal and vacuum advance/retard you can run a bit more total advance.

"You probably want about 4 degrees static and enough centrifugal to take it up to about 20, and the curve should be fast, starting in right off idle and getting done before 2,000. This is of course a starting point for experimentation--every engine has its own tastes."

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

Old post from Charlie NY here on the Barn:

22.5 degrees is generically about the max advance for a street Flathead. So with the vac can disconnected and the vac line plugged fire the engine up and set initial at 4 degrees.
Now this is when the sbc/8ba converted dist really shines and I think your MSD is set up with the wts and springs under the rotor too. With a hand held cheap tach rev the motor to 2200/2400 and you want to see the timing cover pointer at the 22.5 degree mark. There are limit bushings with various offsets and diameters that will get you to that 22.5 degrees max, or real close. The next step is a learning process, you want to get to 22.5 smoothly but quickly, this where your box of springs and fly weights come in. It usually takes a few tries and some road testing. You'll be in the ball park.
Charlie ny


Charlie would be one of the guys who could help with a converted Chevy distributor.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

From VanPlet's site: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...53_239-255.htm

Adjusting Ignition Timing

When checking engine timing with a strobe type timing light, disconnect the vacuum line from the carb to the distributor. Engine should be at idle speed. Connect timing light high voltage lead to wire going to Number 1 spark plug and the appropriate low voltage leads to the battery connections per timing light instructions. Be sure to check polarity of connections....stock electrical systems are 6 volt positive ground. Loosen distributor hold-down bolt and adjust timing by twisting distributor until timing marks line up between groove on pulley and indicator. Tighten distributor hold-down bolt and re-check timing. Re-connect vacuum line to distributor.

Spark advance in the LoadaMatic distributor is controlled entirely by the vacuum differential at the carburetor, which regulates the vacuum control diaphragm on the distributor. The diaphragm is connected to the breaker plate and works against two springs. On 1949 Ford distributors the two springs are of separate tension. 1950 to 53 distributors have identical springs. The springs are mounted on posts with eccentric mounts. Turning the post adjusts the spring tension. Vacuum for the LoadaMatic distributor does not come from a simple vacuum fitting off the intake manifold (ie for windshield wipers), but must come from the vacuum connection on the carburetor. The stock Ford/Holley carb has the necessary two vacuum circuits internally, that are absolutely necessary for control of this distributor. In general, earlier Stromberg carbs will not have these vacuum circuits that would allow them to be used on the 49-53 distributor. Likewise, when using multiple carburetor manifolds, there will not be sufficient air velocity in either carb to operate the vacuum advance of this distributor correctly. Most builders who use aftermarket manifolds and carbs will convert the ignition distributor to the earlier "crab" type with its vacuum brake advance mechanism. We have no recommendations at this time relating to use of other after-market distributors or ignition systems.

When setting breaker point gap be sure to check ignition timing after making the adjustment. There is an oiler on the stock distributor body to provide lubrication for the distributor drive shaft. Also, a light film of breaker point grease should be applied to the eight-sided cam (or rubbing block) when the points are serviced.

The condenser is rated at 0.21 to 0.25 microfarads. This can be checked properly with a meter designed to read condensers and capacitors. A simple ohmmeter can test for complete failure, but will not give an accurate reading for specified ratings. If moving a condenser to a more remote location than its original mount in the distributor, be sure to check its rating with the longer lead wire.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

You need to buy a 1950 motors manual it will have everything ya need to know on the load amatic....

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

ACTUALLY I AM BACK IN THE SHOP WILL TAKE ORDERS FOR fORD FLATHEAD ONLY BUT WILL TAKE A COUPLE WEEKS ETC......:eek::)

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

^^^ The '49-'51 shop manuals are also available original and reprints.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

Good to hear you are taking orders again Jim!

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

"Charlie ny" is also in "distributor converting" mode at the present time. He just completed modifying an SBC Mallory "flattop" for me. You can't go wrong with anything he does.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

Chevy and Mopar distributors can be modified to work well with multiple carbs on an 8BA family flathead V8. As mentioned, the centrifugal advance can be curved for a flathead easily enough. The vacuum retard can run off manifold air pressure if the unit is equipped with an adjustable vacuum can. It takes some tweeking to get the vacuum retard to work well under load but it can be done. This gives good performance as well as decent mileage. Flatheads can be relatively fuel efficient if a proper set up of the ignition system is done.

If running a stock carb, the old load-o-matic can be made to work just fine. The carburetor vacuum signal is from the venturi so it doesn't respond well to manifold vacuum.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

and what do you mean is the best curve.
the engine has the 94 holley carburator and Navarro heads.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

eeh1, really not sure what your are looking for, I through I gave you a lot of curve data. What is it you are wanting?

A good set of numbers would be something like (in crank degrees):

Initial - 4 degrees
1000 rpm - 10 to 12 degrees
1500 rpm - 16 to 20 degrees
2000 rpm - 20 to 22 degrees

From there it is mostly trial and error.

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

Re: Distributor Ford 8 BA Engine 1950
 

Ronnieroadster here on the barn prefers:

"Set the initial at 10 degrees and go no higher than 24 for the total when the engine is turning over 2200 RPM. Works perfectly ever time."
Ronnieroadster