Early History Questions on Flathead Football Helmet Style Distributors
 

Was there a particular application for the mechanical advance limits for the 40B (16 deg. of advance @ 2500 rpm) vs. the 11a (24 deg. of advance @ 2500 rpm)? Was the 40B the very first one, say in 32-up a few years and then switched to 11a in the later 1930's. Also, was this at all related to the 2 bolt vs. 3 bolt coils?


As referenced in Bubba ad for the early distributors:

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...108#post767108

Thanks,
Roger

Re: Early History Questions on Flathead Football Helmet Style Distributors
 

Roger ,

Here is the spec from the Ford Service Bulletin page 10 subject 12127-c

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbfd1413d.jpg

This same bulletin mentioned the fact that the engine had 2 ( 4 engine) degrees added TO THE DISTRIBUTOR BTDC before the distributor ..BEFORE THE UNIT IS INSTALLED.....
My thinking is thats why the flatheads start so easy......

Re: Early History Questions on Flathead Football Helmet Style Distributors
 

The March 36 service bulletin introduced the new dist (model 68) with 20 degrees advance @ about 1900 rpm, it had 3 bolts to the engine and 2 diagonal screws for the coil that is round with a flat top ---the style of points changed too, so you couild say when the coil went to 2 screws the advance changed too

Re: Early History Questions on Flathead Football Helmet Style Distributors
 

No stamped number on the end of the distributor shaft was for '32s, With a 40 or 40A stamped in, the distributor was for a '33. Those with 40B stamped in were for '34 through early '36.