Distrubutor timing
 

My A has a B engine with A distributor. What is the correct method to time the engine.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

Retard timing lever. All the way up. Set number one piston at top dead center on compression stroke. Set distributor cam to where the points are just opening. I set mine a little on the retarded side. So I have 30 degrees total advance.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

The procedure above is correct, but be careful how you set the #1 piston on TDC. The hole in the timing cover for the timing pin on a B engine is not TDC like it is on an A engine. It is before TDC.

So you need to pull the #1 spark plug and reach in there with something to tag the top of the piston (I use a disposable chopstick from my local Chinese restaurant) and get the crank at TDC with that instead of the timing pin.

Then time it as above.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

Hi Jim,

Never thought much about why it may be called a chopstick .... could it be possible some Chinese-American was trying to find TDC on his Model A with a stick from a Chinese Restaurant ..... it fell inside .... he hit the starter button ...... and the rest is just history!

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

H.L.,

I think the Chinese just call them sticks. Chinese-Americans created Chop Suey for Americans. I suspect the name Chop Sticks probably came into use because Americans use them for our favorite Chinese dish, Chop Suey.
David Serrano

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

There is more than one way to get proper timing on (A/B) engine.
Maybe most use the directions provided by book and/or by other A/B engine tuners.
I use antique and/or modern timing light to set timing with the properly marked crank gear. If you ever have the head off, that is perfect time for; locating #1 tdc; for accurately (using proper technique), setting up your crank gear marks, and getting your dist initially setup.
Now when engine is started, it can be timed and / or retimed over/over to your engines liking with time light. Pretty easy and repeatable without ever touching a timing pin. Your choice.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

Thanks. Daren

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

i want to time my doodlebug too but there is no advace/retard or throttle levers on the column. should the distributor lever be all the way to the drivers side or passengers side to time it correctly and in which position to start it. thanks again.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

All the way to the passenger side is TDC, (retarded), or at least it should be.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

thanks again tom !

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

Since we are talking about timing where do you all set your total advance? I have mine so all the way advanced is 30*. I never rev my engine above 2000 rpm so I felt 30* was plenty. All stock engine. I guess I'm just nervous about pre ignition.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

I asked the same question about 4 years ago and fordbarner Benson advised to time it by the book using the timing pin but with one change: set the spark lever at the mid-point not all way up. Works for me.

Re: Distrubutor timing
 

Sounds like a good way to do it. I have a timing tape on the front pully and I time it with a timing light.