The Ford Barn

Ed in Maine · 06-22-2023, 08:08 AM

Before I took my timer apart for cleaning, I marked the position of the timer with a line in white paint that was made with two strips of masking tape. The spark rod was set to full retard position. The line is 1/16 in. wide and goes from the engine casting to the surface of the timer. The line is where I can easily see it near the oil fill. I find that the timer setting is repeatable every time I retard the spark. I have cranked the car and the timing seems perfect.

Have I missed anything in doing this? It saves a lot of time when I have to take the timer apart for cleaning. Ed

Will N · 06-22-2023, 09:45 AM

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The only thing that determines the position of the timer is the rod that rotates it. And the only way to adjust that rod is to bend it. So as long as you don't bend the rod while the timer is off for cleaning, and you reinstall the same timer, you don't have to worry about setting the timer.

06-22-2023, 08:08 AM	#1
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,193	Re-setting the Timer, 1914 Touring Before I took my timer apart for cleaning, I marked the position of the timer with a line in white paint that was made with two strips of masking tape. The spark rod was set to full retard position. The line is 1/16 in. wide and goes from the engine casting to the surface of the timer. The line is where I can easily see it near the oil fill. I find that the timer setting is repeatable every time I retard the spark. I have cranked the car and the timing seems perfect. Have I missed anything in doing this? It saves a lot of time when I have to take the timer apart for cleaning. Ed

06-22-2023, 09:45 AM	#2
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,251	Re: Re-setting the Timer, 1914 Touring Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The only thing that determines the position of the timer is the rod that rotates it. And the only way to adjust that rod is to bend it. So as long as you don't bend the rod while the timer is off for cleaning, and you reinstall the same timer, you don't have to worry about setting the timer.