The Ford Barn

41SupDelux · 12-14-2025, 10:44 PM

I have a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe with a crab distributor on the front.

Recently, I put in a pertronix ignition module into the distributor. Regrettably, it drives like it has forgotten that it's a car. It idles just fine, but once I put a load on it... "pop pop pop pop pop". Sounds as though someone put a bushel of fire crackers in my tailpipes. Now, the timing is probably at fault. Or I need to lose the vacuum brake - I'm not sure.

My BIGGEST QUESTION at the moment is which direction does the timing adjustment plate with the screw, the little notched plate, do what? If I'm facing the motor from the front of the car, would I push that plate left (up) or right (down) to retard the spark? As much as I've learned about these distributors, I have found zero videos or articles that articulate which direction does what.

My appreciation for your help. I'm twenty-eight and this is my first car with a distributor and everything about it is new to me.

12-14-2025, 10:44 PM	#1
41SupDelux Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2024 Posts: 23	Crab Distributor Timing Plate Confusion I have a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe with a crab distributor on the front. Recently, I put in a pertronix ignition module into the distributor. Regrettably, it drives like it has forgotten that it's a car. It idles just fine, but once I put a load on it... "pop pop pop pop pop". Sounds as though someone put a bushel of fire crackers in my tailpipes. Now, the timing is probably at fault. Or I need to lose the vacuum brake - I'm not sure. My BIGGEST QUESTION at the moment is which direction does the timing adjustment plate with the screw, the little notched plate, do what? If I'm facing the motor from the front of the car, would I push that plate left (up) or right (down) to retard the spark? As much as I've learned about these distributors, I have found zero videos or articles that articulate which direction does what. My appreciation for your help. I'm twenty-eight and this is my first car with a distributor and everything about it is new to me.