Electronic cam gear timing tool

[Tom A. nh]

This is a timing tool that I designed to help with setting cam timing. Some people have problems with using the pin and needs assistance to help with this tool it's a one-person job. I have the tool available at www.ford-a-time.com and they will soon be available at Model A part suppliers.

[fried okra]

Tom, this uses a AAA or AA battery maybe for the beeping?

[Tom A. nh]

Aaa

[Jim/GA]

You don't need this. Henry's original timing pin does just fine. There is no need to take a simple process and make it more complex.

[electricman]

Jim/Ga, let it be. The guy thought up something that others might find helpfull.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by electricman

Jim/Ga, let it be. The guy thought up something that others might find helpfull.

Seeing this from both sides, I will first admit that I have honestly been thinking about purchasing one from Tom to use it myself -and to let my employees use it in the shop.

I will confess this is brutal to say as it likely will become offensive to some! It has taken me many years to come to the realization that today's Model-A mechanic typically just does not have the skillset nor the aptitude to do many skills that most veteran mechanics take for granted. Memory retention, problem solving, brain to hand coordination are amongst many things the younger generations do not have. Sad, but so very true. I field technical calls and emails almost daily (-as does Steve Becker and other suppliers and repair shops) and the questions asked over & over makes us all just shake our heads.

To prove my theory on this you all, -to work on a Model-A, the younger generation needs (-relies) the 'Model-A Ford Mechanic Handbook' to do even the simplest of tasks. When you look on social media sites (...and sometimes here), it is very obvious to me these people came asking the question(s) first before ever trying to figure it out on their own. When I/you question them regarding have you tried first, I am usually met with this type statement "I didn't want to mess it up.". In other words, that is code for 'I lack even the most basic skills to problem solve'. When they do try, how often do we see an item could have been removed with a hammer & chisel in a cleaner fashion. I recently worked with a guy from Missouri that was trying to remove an exterior door handle on a Tudor. Not only is the door handle destroyed, but so is the door skin.

I could go on & on about how this new generation of 'mechanics' must have tools such as a torque wrench to tighten any type of fastener, and they lack even the most basic skillset to tighten fasteners by hand, or whatever. How about the NuRex Degree Indicator for the front timing cover, -or the little placard for showing which way the Fuel Shutoff should be pointed for off or on.

Therefore, it is of my opinion in this dumb-downed society that it is very likely that Tom's Timing Tool has a real need in this modern era of Model-A hobbyists. I have followed his product for enough time to know he has sold way more than just a handful, -and I have read where the guys that have purchased them found they were useful to them, ...so again, Tom has apparently found a niche market that caters to them. Yes, for guys who possess the basic skills of setting the timing, I agree it probably isn't for you but embrace it like many other tools & accessories that are made for the new Model-A hobbyist.

[nkaminar]

Brent, Maybe the answer is installing an engine management computer in the Model A. Then they could just look up the error codes on the internet.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Brent, Maybe the answer is installing an engine management computer in the Model A. Then they could just look up the error codes on the internet.

Tom forgive me for the deviation but help me out with this everyone. Of all the 50 year old or older cars (-pre 1975), is there any make/model of restored vehicle that has been more (uselessly??!!) modified than what is termed a 'Restored' Ford Model-A?

To be clear I am not speaking of purpose-built street rods such as a Model-T T-bucket or fiberglass bodied replica, -or a repro '32 roadster built as a street rod. Instead I am specifically looking for any cars that are called Restored but are modified with the mindset that the owner wants to make them more drivable. Maybe the 55-57 Ford T-bird?? ...but even then I don't think the numbers of them are even half of what the Model-A is. Volkswagen Beetle??

Why I ask this is, -of all of the collector cars still around today, the Ford Model-A outlasted them all because of the Model-A's quality of materials, good engineering, and its' simplicity for routine maintenance & upkeep that allowed it to last 5+ decades for everyday use by the person with the most basic or mechanicing skills. So nowadays there is this mindset that the Model-A must be modified if we want them to last or to be reliably driven. IMO in reality this has allowed them to become even more unreliable and basically have less overall value. Show me where I am wrong in this.

...and to Neil's point, yes an ECM on a Model-A engine is likely in the future. We have already seen some who claim they needed to have electronic ignition and alternators installed because they want to drive their Model-A reliably. A bolt-on FI is likely next because today's Model-A driver struggles with starting a vehicle with a choke, and keeping the GAV adjusted. Heaven help us!!! So to my point above, -Tom's tool is a likely a necessity for the modern day hobbyist since they cannot understand & follow the printed instructions on Page 23 of the original Model "A" Instruction Book (-a/k/a the owner's manual) that served our predecessors well for the past 90+ years. I hope he sells a million of those tools!!

[Tom A. nh]

Hi Brent
Thank you for all the comments, Myself I have been working on model A's for Many years as well as my dad, I run a restoration and repair shop and have watch people try to use the pin and have problems and second guess themselves and ask for help. I also have seen people that have gotten up in age including my dad have problems holding the pin and trying to turn the engine over at the same time and for years I was thinking of a way to make it easier and finally design my tool. Yes, it is not for everyone, but I have sold so many tools all over the world that it must be not only a problem that I have witness but a problem that Model A owners are having, and I am not trying to reinvent the Model A just produce a quality product to help owners.
Thanks again.
Tom Ayer
www.ford-a-time.com

[Bob Bidonde]

A product improvement I recommend is the addition of a 5mm red LED situated in the end of the barrel that goes ON when the pin goes into the notch. The LED will draw only 20ma.

[oldspert]

I can see a need for this tool. When using the pin to locate the depression in the timing gear, it takes two hands, one to depress the pin and the other to turn the engine. Without the wrench to turn the nut, turning the engine with the crank is almost impossible while holding the pin searching for the depression. Unless you want to pull the spark plugs and turn the engine with the fan belt, it is a tough job.
Ed

[Tom A. nh]

Hi Bob,
I have a patient one with the light as well that is in the works I also have another end that screws on for setting you points.
Thank you

[nkaminar]

Someone sells, or used to sell, a light compression spring that goes over the threaded end of the pin with the other end of the spring is setting against the radiator. That way you can just look to see the pin drop in the detent while you crank the engine over with the hand crank.

Once the pistons are near top dead center there is, or should be, very little torque needed to turn the crankshaft. So if you miss the detent by a little bit, you can turn the crankshaft back a little with the fan while tightening up the fan belt by pushing on it. If the fan blade breaks off while doing this, you have saved yourself the cost of a new hood or radiator.

[Ray in La Mesa]

Well said Brent & nkaminar, you beat me to the compression spring idea. I've been using one I made for years.

[nkaminar]

I just hope Brent wasn't taking my little joke about adding an engine management computer as a serious suggestion.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

I just hope Brent wasn't taking my little joke about adding an engine management computer as a serious suggestion.

Yeah, I realized it was a tongue & cheek comment, but the day is likely coming.

[johnneilson]

FWIW
I have been running a full ECU system on race motor about 10 years
It is not OBD type system but does allow for diagnostics in rudimentary form

I have a hot rod under construction that will use the same EFI System
While this is out on the edge it doesn’t mean that a stock Mode A couldn’t be built

And a note about Brent’s comments above, I agree that basics are severely lacking today
This is a great opportunity to teach youngsters and everyone who is interested

John

[oldspert]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

I have a hot rod under construction that will use the same EFI System
While this is out on the edge it doesn’t mean that a stock Mode A couldn’t be built

John

I would love to hear that engine run. Is it for Bonneville?
Ed

[johnneilson]

Ed

I agree, I want to hear it run too

Not for Bonneville this one is conservative for a street driver going in a 30 coupe

We have some videos of the race motors warming up
I’ll see if I can send the links to you

John

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Someone sells, or used to sell, a light compression spring that goes over the threaded end of the pin with the other end of the spring is setting against the radiator. That way you can just look to see the pin drop in the detent while you crank the engine over with the hand crank.

Once the pistons are near top dead center there is, or should be, very little torque needed to turn the crankshaft. So if you miss the detent by a little bit, you can turn the crankshaft back a little with the fan while tightening up the fan belt by pushing on it. If the fan blade breaks off while doing this, you have saved yourself the cost of a new hood or radiator.

This:
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...8636&cat=41666

I use it. Frees up a hand. Very simple and reliable. Look down at the pin as you slowly crank the engine over.
.