The Ford Barn

wga · 08-16-2014, 11:56 PM

Noticed that my initial timing set on the 'bump' moves occasionally, a few degrees advance. The distributor is a Mallory dual points, with 600 miles use, so the distributor gear is not worn. Usually it stays right on the bump. Normal or??
thanks.

JWL · 08-17-2014, 06:33 AM

I would call it "normal" for an engine with clearance between the cam thrust faces and the block/front cover. For a full explanation you can read my book but the general epitome is the spiral gears change the timing as forward and rearward movement occurs.

supereal · 08-17-2014, 05:47 PM

I agree. Aftermarket electronic ignitions are almost always troublesome. As the ignition systems on old Fords of any vintage are "bulletproof" , if properly set up, I put them in the category of "if it ain't broke...."

Walt Dupont--Me. · 08-17-2014, 08:11 PM

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I picked up one of the old Mallory 8BA two part cap dist one time to use on my 59AB, I got the adapter to bolt on the front of the cam to drive the dist. Set the timing and it run fine until I rev it up fast and the timing would go out about 20*, reset the timing and the same thing happened again, I pulled the front cover and the small gear that drives the dist was slipping. I removed the gear and knurled the adapter and pressed the gear back on, never happeded again. Walt

08-16-2014, 11:56 PM	#1
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 962	8BA timing jumps a few degress Noticed that my initial timing set on the 'bump' moves occasionally, a few degrees advance. The distributor is a Mallory dual points, with 600 miles use, so the distributor gear is not worn. Usually it stays right on the bump. Normal or?? thanks. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer.

08-17-2014, 06:33 AM	#2
JWL Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fitzgerald, Georgia Posts: 2,204	Re: 8BA timing jumps a few degress I would call it "normal" for an engine with clearance between the cam thrust faces and the block/front cover. For a full explanation you can read my book but the general epitome is the spiral gears change the timing as forward and rearward movement occurs.

08-17-2014, 05:47 PM	#3
supereal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	Re: 8BA timing jumps a few degress I agree. Aftermarket electronic ignitions are almost always troublesome. As the ignition systems on old Fords of any vintage are "bulletproof" , if properly set up, I put them in the category of "if it ain't broke...."

08-17-2014, 08:11 PM	#4
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: 8BA timing jumps a few degress Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I picked up one of the old Mallory 8BA two part cap dist one time to use on my 59AB, I got the adapter to bolt on the front of the cam to drive the dist. Set the timing and it run fine until I rev it up fast and the timing would go out about 20*, reset the timing and the same thing happened again, I pulled the front cover and the small gear that drives the dist was slipping. I removed the gear and knurled the adapter and pressed the gear back on, never happeded again. Walt