[H. L. Chauvin]

Sounds like you have advanced timing which is harmful for Babbit bearings.

Every Fordbarn expert has his own method of timing; and, every one of these methods is 100% perfect for each 100% Model A expert.

However, from over 20 years of reading Model A messages, "many" read volumes of Model A books and messages, and just continue to have a problem with timing.

Just expect many different perfect Model A timing solutions to follow, but here is what is most important for proper timing of a new or totally worn out Model A with loose play at the rotor, distributor shaft, or whatever ....... and remember ....... worn out Model A's will run very well without spark knocks after providing "proper" timing.

1. First set you point gap first. You did this.
2. Retard your spark with spark lever all the way up and very carefully time your engine.
3. At this point, "after" carefully timing one's engine, remove all four plugs and connect grounded no. 1 plug to the distributor.
4. With ignition switch "ON", spark lever all the way up, rotate engine with hand crank until timing pin slips in.
5. When timing pin slips in, no. 1 plug should fire when points open.
6. It does not matter if your rotor has free play, if your distributor shaft wiggles back and forth ........ if no. 1 plug fired when timing pin slipped in, you are good to go.
7. Just please try this just "once" to see what happens & let us know .... and if you do respond .......... you may be one out of thousands that never cared to learn and beat their Babbitt bearings to where they were always removing connecting rod shims.