Backfire, when starting my model a
 

Trying to time my model a. Do not have or cannot find dimple w/timing pin. So i just felt no. 1 piston for tdc. Adjusted points to where light bulb (attatched to ground and to left side of coil)comes on and then turn cam to where light just turns off. Results-back fire. What else could cause bf? Or do i need a better method of timing?
Would appreciate any advice. Thank you all.
Note: I would consider myself a novice.

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

Try using a ball point pen to find the dimple or something similar that has a small point. Make sure the spark lever is up and that the rotor is pointing to the No 1 contact on the cap. Then try setting it again.

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

You might be at TDC on the exhaust stroke. Find the timing dimple, it is there.

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

I had same trouble and got this and made it 100% easier for me. http://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/T6254.html. I took out #1 sp plug and put a piece of tape loosely on it. Also removed the dis cap so i could see rotor. Put pin in tool and brought it around till compression blew tape up,then watched the rotor till close to number one fire conductor, then watched the timing pin for movement. Doesnt move a whole lot but you can see it.

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

I hand crank the motor and watch the rotor as it approaches #1, I reposition the crank to 9:00 and slowing pull up as I push on the timing pin with my left hand.
Go slow as the engine will want to go over TDC. Push hard, you'll feel it.
By watching the rotor you will be very close, go slow.

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

Take out the spark plugs !
It makes it a lot easier to turn over and you will feel the dimple on the cam gear .

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

My advice is to get a small dental mirror from a drug store. with the mirror and a flash light you can look in through the timing pin hole for the detent. What I usually do if the timing is close, I remove the plugs and crank the engine over until the rotor is pointing to the right fender. This is close to coming up on the mark. If I am by myself I stand inside the front bumper, shine the light into the hole, adjust the mirror and with my knee push down on the crank slowly and watch for the dimple. Once the dimple is in the hole window you can take a 1/4" drill bit and deepen the detent a little more so the timing pin will find it. I also put a dab of red finger nail polish in the detent. Once the detent is on the mark, set the timing.

Tom Endy

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

I do it the same as Mike posted in #5. If I go past the dimple, then I put the car in high gear and roll it back past the dimple, then crank it over very slowly by hand again.

Maybe someone needs to make a spark plug with a whistle to find when #1 is coming up on TDC firing.:D

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

like this one???

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

I wonder if he's having this issue?

http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/images/timegear.jpghttp://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/images/timingpin.jpg

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

When the timings correct, replace the condenser. Best $5 fix in Fordland.

Re: Backfire, when starting my model a
 

another thing that could cause backfire on cold start up, try opening the GAV more when cold
i am sure with the good info posted here you will figure out your timing issues