The Ford Barn

Tom in SW VA · 02-28-2017, 10:19 PM

I have a simple (stupid) question. How do you set the timing on a Model T? I am a Model A person and this my first foray into the Universal Car. I have a 24 T.

Thanking you in advance

fundytides · 02-28-2017, 10:25 PM

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1354925129

Tom in SW VA · 02-28-2017, 10:37 PM

Thanks! I believe that I have a LOT to learn.

redmodelt · 03-01-2017, 12:36 AM

This is another good read for new T owners (maybe even some old ones as a reminder

)
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1341112656

Tom in SW VA · 03-11-2017, 05:53 PM

Could someone give me step by step instructions on timing a Model T?

From locate TDC on cylinder one on .................

Thanks a million!

redmodelt · 03-11-2017, 06:53 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Pull No 1 spark plug. With key off crank the engine till you feel compression with your finger over the hole. Look in the hole and watch the piston come up to TDC, both valves should be closed. Go a smidge past TDC till the piston is just over center going down. If you look at the pin in the crank shaft it should be just past 3 and 9 oclock. Disconnect the rod from the timer. With the timing/spark lever up, turn on the key to battery. If the coil is buzzing, turn the timer counter clock wise till the buzzing stops then turn clock wise till if just starts. Now bend to adjust the rod till it goes in the hole in the timer. Unless there is a short in the system, there is only battery voltage at the timer. Unless there is a lot of wear or slop in the linkage this will put you really close in the ball park.
Should add; if the coil is not buzzing try turning clockwise till it just start to.

Royce P · 03-12-2017, 11:34 AM

1. Pull out the #1 spark plug
2. Shine a light in the spark plug hole (flashlight)
3. Using the hand crank watch in the hole as you crank the engine. You are looking for the compression stroke where both valves are closed and the piston is coming upwards.
4. To determine the exact place the spark should happen use a plastic stir stick from McDonalds or a plastic straw. Place the straw on the piston as it approaches TDC on the compression stroke. You will feel the piston come to the top. The crank handle will move an inch or so with no movement of the piston, because the piston is "at" TDC.
5. Continue to gently turn the engine using the crank. When the piston just begins to move downward stop! This is where the spark needs to happen.
6. Lay the #1 spark plug on the head bolt with its wire connected.
7. Disconnect the timer rod from the steering column.
8. Turn the ignition on "BAT".
9. Adjust the timer until it the spark happens just after the piston passes TDC as in steps 1 - 5. You can repeat steps 1 - 5 with the key on to verify that you have indeed found the right spot.
10. Bend the timer rod so that the timer is in this position with the rod connected and the spark lever on the steering column is all the way up.

nhusa · 03-12-2017, 06:37 PM

I use an hourglass when timing a model t.

Them sucker are slow.

Tom in SW VA · 03-18-2017, 08:54 AM

ppt

redmodelt · 03-18-2017, 10:13 AM

Two people have given instructions on how to time a Model T. Does yours have a distributor? If so you need to let us know and what kind. When someone ask how to time a Model T the default is coil and timer.
If it's an original Bosch, there are a couple of different style Bosch units that are each setup a little different.

Tom in SW VA · 03-18-2017, 09:48 PM

No distributor Only commentator (timer)

Mike V. Florida · 03-20-2017, 04:23 AM

Are you still having a problem?

http://www.funprojects.com/pdf/Model...0Artiticle.pdf

redmodelt · 03-20-2017, 01:54 PM

Then if you are having a problem than we need more information. Just moving it back to the top does not help you.
Both way shown above get to the same place with slight differences in approaches.

Ed in Maine · 03-29-2017, 11:34 AM

It is hard to see sometimes down into #1 cylinder to find the best spot just past TDC. I take a 1/4 in. dowel (about 15 in. long) and put in down on top of the #1 piston and lean the dowel on the radiator support rod. You can then make a pencil mark on the dowel next to the support rod when you are just about at TDC. Now you have a nice indicator of where the #1 piston is located with respect to TDC.

redmodelt · 03-29-2017, 01:57 PM

That what the pin in the crankshaft pulley is for. When it's horizontal the engine is at top dead center (3:00) at about 3:15 it just past TDC.

Royce P · 03-31-2017, 01:49 PM

That's why I always use a plastic straw. It is easier to feel it go past TDC than it is to see it, and more accurate too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed in Maine

It is hard to see sometimes down into #1 cylinder to find the best spot just past TDC. I take a 1/4 in. dowel (about 15 in. long) and put in down on top of the #1 piston and lean the dowel on the radiator support rod. You can then make a pencil mark on the dowel next to the support rod when you are just about at TDC. Now you have a nice indicator of where the #1 piston is located with respect to TDC.

Royce P · 03-31-2017, 01:52 PM

I don't know about your T but it is really hard to see the pin on mine, because all of mine have the small pulley. The other issue is, many Model T's have Model A cranks, aftermarket SCAT and Sure Mike crankshafts, and 1920's 4 cylinder Chevrolet cranks. If the hole for the crank ratchet pin is not where it is supposed to be you have no idea whether the piston is actually where you think it is. Good way to get injured.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redmodelt

That what the pin in the crankshaft pulley is for. When it's horizontal the engine is at top dead center (3:00) at about 3:15 it just past TDC.

redmodelt · 03-31-2017, 02:18 PM

RE; The other issue is, many Model T's have Model A cranks, aftermarket SCAT and Sure Mike crankshafts, and 1920's 4 cylinder Chevrolet cranks." While you do make a good point about the pulley pin hole, I really do not think this is the case here. With the brass or low radiator cars you should be able to look under the radiator and see the pin. I have not heard or see anyone talking about the hole for the crank pulley being different in above cranks, I would think that for the most part people running those will know how to time there modified engines.

Royce P · 03-31-2017, 09:26 PM

My point is that my method is easier, quicker, and tells you the actual position of the piston. Your method is hard for an old guy like me who does not like to get on his knees to do anything.

redmodelt · 03-31-2017, 10:07 PM

Ya old guys, I am only 61 but I can get down to the floor, gravity helps with that but getting back up is getting harder. Bad motorcycle accident does not help.

By eye site or plastic straw both way will work.

02-28-2017, 10:25 PM	#2
fundytides Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 505	Re: Timing a Model T http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1354925129

02-28-2017, 10:37 PM	#3
Tom in SW VA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richlands, VA Posts: 533	Re: Timing a Model T Thanks! I believe that I have a LOT to learn.

03-01-2017, 12:36 AM	#4
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T This is another good read for new T owners (maybe even some old ones as a reminder ) http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1341112656 __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

03-11-2017, 05:53 PM	#5
Tom in SW VA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richlands, VA Posts: 533	Re: Timing a Model T Could someone give me step by step instructions on timing a Model T? From locate TDC on cylinder one on ................. Thanks a million!

03-11-2017, 06:53 PM	#6
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Pull No 1 spark plug. With key off crank the engine till you feel compression with your finger over the hole. Look in the hole and watch the piston come up to TDC, both valves should be closed. Go a smidge past TDC till the piston is just over center going down. If you look at the pin in the crank shaft it should be just past 3 and 9 oclock. Disconnect the rod from the timer. With the timing/spark lever up, turn on the key to battery. If the coil is buzzing, turn the timer counter clock wise till the buzzing stops then turn clock wise till if just starts. Now bend to adjust the rod till it goes in the hole in the timer. Unless there is a short in the system, there is only battery voltage at the timer. Unless there is a lot of wear or slop in the linkage this will put you really close in the ball park. Should add; if the coil is not buzzing try turning clockwise till it just start to. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! Last edited by redmodelt; 03-11-2017 at 10:08 PM. Reason: added info.

02-28-2017, 10:19 PM	#1
Tom in SW VA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richlands, VA Posts: 533	Timing a Model T I have a simple (stupid) question. How do you set the timing on a Model T? I am a Model A person and this my first foray into the Universal Car. I have a 24 T. Thanking you in advance

03-12-2017, 11:34 AM	#7
Royce P Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tulsa OK Posts: 476	Re: Timing a Model T 1. Pull out the #1 spark plug 2. Shine a light in the spark plug hole (flashlight) 3. Using the hand crank watch in the hole as you crank the engine. You are looking for the compression stroke where both valves are closed and the piston is coming upwards. 4. To determine the exact place the spark should happen use a plastic stir stick from McDonalds or a plastic straw. Place the straw on the piston as it approaches TDC on the compression stroke. You will feel the piston come to the top. The crank handle will move an inch or so with no movement of the piston, because the piston is "at" TDC. 5. Continue to gently turn the engine using the crank. When the piston just begins to move downward stop! This is where the spark needs to happen. 6. Lay the #1 spark plug on the head bolt with its wire connected. 7. Disconnect the timer rod from the steering column. 8. Turn the ignition on "BAT". 9. Adjust the timer until it the spark happens just after the piston passes TDC as in steps 1 - 5. You can repeat steps 1 - 5 with the key on to verify that you have indeed found the right spot. 10. Bend the timer rod so that the timer is in this position with the rod connected and the spark lever on the steering column is all the way up. __________________ 1910 Touring 1914 Touring 1915 Touring 1917 Torpedo Runabout

03-12-2017, 06:37 PM	#8
nhusa Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Timberlake NC Posts: 550	Re: Timing a Model T I use an hourglass when timing a model t. Them sucker are slow. Last edited by nhusa; 03-29-2017 at 05:28 PM.

03-18-2017, 08:54 AM	#9
Tom in SW VA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richlands, VA Posts: 533	Re: Timing a Model T ppt

03-18-2017, 10:13 AM	#10
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T Two people have given instructions on how to time a Model T. Does yours have a distributor? If so you need to let us know and what kind. When someone ask how to time a Model T the default is coil and timer. If it's an original Bosch, there are a couple of different style Bosch units that are each setup a little different. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

03-18-2017, 09:48 PM	#11
Tom in SW VA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Richlands, VA Posts: 533	Re: Timing a Model T No distributor Only commentator (timer)

03-20-2017, 04:23 AM	#12
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Timing a Model T Are you still having a problem? http://www.funprojects.com/pdf/Model...0Artiticle.pdf __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

03-20-2017, 01:54 PM	#13
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T Then if you are having a problem than we need more information. Just moving it back to the top does not help you. Both way shown above get to the same place with slight differences in approaches. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

03-29-2017, 11:34 AM	#14
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,193	Re: Timing a Model T It is hard to see sometimes down into #1 cylinder to find the best spot just past TDC. I take a 1/4 in. dowel (about 15 in. long) and put in down on top of the #1 piston and lean the dowel on the radiator support rod. You can then make a pencil mark on the dowel next to the support rod when you are just about at TDC. Now you have a nice indicator of where the #1 piston is located with respect to TDC.

03-29-2017, 01:57 PM	#15
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T That what the pin in the crankshaft pulley is for. When it's horizontal the engine is at top dead center (3:00) at about 3:15 it just past TDC. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

03-31-2017, 02:18 PM	#18
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T RE; The other issue is, many Model T's have Model A cranks, aftermarket SCAT and Sure Mike crankshafts, and 1920's 4 cylinder Chevrolet cranks." While you do make a good point about the pulley pin hole, I really do not think this is the case here. With the brass or low radiator cars you should be able to look under the radiator and see the pin. I have not heard or see anyone talking about the hole for the crank pulley being different in above cranks, I would think that for the most part people running those will know how to time there modified engines. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!

03-31-2017, 09:26 PM	#19
Royce P Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tulsa OK Posts: 476	Re: Timing a Model T My point is that my method is easier, quicker, and tells you the actual position of the piston. Your method is hard for an old guy like me who does not like to get on his knees to do anything. __________________ 1910 Touring 1914 Touring 1915 Touring 1917 Torpedo Runabout

03-31-2017, 10:07 PM	#20
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,408	Re: Timing a Model T Ya old guys, I am only 61 but I can get down to the floor, gravity helps with that but getting back up is getting harder. Bad motorcycle accident does not help. By eye site or plastic straw both way will work. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!