A very simple timing question.

[Fred K-OR]

Please don't laugh to much as this rather simple question that an old guy is to lazy to find out for himself.

If a person sets the timing for one Model A engine, can you take that distributor and use it in another Model A engine and have it in time?

I know a simple question that everyone knows but me and I am to lazy to move one distributor from one of my A's to the other to get my answer. Thus I don't mind embarrassing myself and ask you all.

[Kurt in NJ]

It could be possible if the oil pump drive gear is indexed the same ---and the gear teeth of the cam and drive gear are machined the same, but the answer is NO

[Fred K-OR]

Thanks guys, guess I should not be so lazy and get to work and get that other distributor timed for my huckster.

[Barber31]

Also what are the chances the other vehicles #1 cylinder is exactly at top dead center when you do drop in the timed distributor. So it's definitely a no to that question.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

This could be a Ford Barn FIRST!----- EVERYONE AGREED!!!
Bill W.

[Y-Blockhead]

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Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

This could be a Ford Barn FIRST!----- EVERYONE AGREED!!!
Bill W.

Hah!! Good observation Bill...

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

This could be a Ford Barn FIRST!----- EVERYONE AGREED!!!
Bill W.

Happy to be of service to the old Barn!

[fred40pu]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

The drive gear that is turned by the cam is dropped in at random, so the angle of the tab at the top of the drive gear will be different on different engines, so the answer is NO.
You can put your spare distributor in your engine and time it then take it out and put it under your seat and as long as you do not loosen the screw and move the points cam, you can put it back in the same engine and it will still be in time.

1930 Coupe-
my set up does not have the spring shown above the distributor string- Am I missing something?

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by fred40pu

1930 Coupe-
my set up does not have the spring shown above the distributor string- Am I missing something?

I think it is inside your valve cover.

[fred40pu]

Thanks - I neglected to think about the access location of the spring.

[2935ford]

Ok to add more to this simple question.......you can use any distributer body with any engine, yes?
In other words no drive gears are changed from the engines.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by 2935ford

Ok to add more to this simple question.......you can use any distributer body with any engine, yes?
In other words no drive gears are changed from the engines.

I think this is correct. But some of the other guys that know more about this than I do may give you more info on it.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

This is where the spring goes, if it is missing you need to get one.

Vermins' engine with "maybe" 40 miles on it, was built by a reputable builder in 1987, here in Fresno.
It has NO SPRING on the drive gear housing. It seems to be staked/secured somehow??? I put one on! ALSO, the oil pump locating dowel was PEENED over & the oil pump DIDN'T fall out, AFTER I went to ALL the work to make up a ZIPPY retainer!!!
"MAYBE" this was a common practice by rebuilders, WAY BACK THEN???
When I get Vermin DRIVING, I'll go by the builder & check on the EXTENDED WARRANTY I haven't started the engine for 2 years, but it ran like a FINE TUNED SEWING MACHINE
BILL W.