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Old 03-09-2019, 12:30 PM   #1
DC 69
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Default Spark Rod Adjustment

'29 CCPU runs great, but...

What do I need to adjust in order to use correct 17" Spark Control Rod and get full spark advance? With bent rod I get full retard & full advance. With 17" rod, I don't have enough arm movement to get full advance. I have Model B motor and can't rotate steering column.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

17 in. Rod.jpg

17 in. Full Retard.jpg

Bent Rod.jpg

Bent Rod_full retard.jpg
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Old 03-09-2019, 01:06 PM   #2
Bob C
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

Looks like you have the forged arm upper plate. I think I read in the Service Bulletins
that the early arm is narrower than the later stamped arm so the earlier slot in the
cap was narrower.


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Old 03-09-2019, 01:58 PM   #3
1930 coupe
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

get a sleeve so you can adjust it
most of the vendors sell them
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File Type: jpg spark rods.jpg (174.7 KB, 61 views)
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Old 03-10-2019, 04:01 PM   #4
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

Is there a way to take the ends off of the rod, shorten the rod and re-install the end?
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Old 03-10-2019, 04:12 PM   #5
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

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Originally Posted by Mountain Dew View Post
Is there a way to take the ends off of the rod, shorten the rod and re-install the end?
Probably not given that the rod end is "swaged" on and "de-swaging" would involve scrapping the pill-cover (what it looks like.)

Best solution might be to buy into the "adjustable" link mentioned - or possibly "bend" the rod?

I have seen MANY bent rods. Up to a 20 degree bend. You might get creative and heat it up and bend the straight portion into a small circle - just for decoration. If you make it too short, you can heat an and "forge" it longer per blacksmithing skills using hammer and vise pad.

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Old 03-10-2019, 04:22 PM   #6
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

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None of the three rods used in a RHD Model A are available (Is anybody EVER going to make them???) so I shorten LHD ones by cutting them, overlapping the pieces and a couple of tack welds are enough to hold them. Very few people comment on it but when they do, I explain that even though we can get nearly anything we need for these cars, those are not available. Go figure, I say with a shrug of my shoulders.
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Old 03-10-2019, 07:47 PM   #7
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

I do it for carb linkage,10/32 thread size..

https://www.kimballmidwest.com/All-P...l-Joints/62207
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Old 03-10-2019, 09:46 PM   #8
Joop
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

Loosen the tank steering column bracket in the car
Loosen the clamp on the bottom of the steering column
Turn the steering column to adjust the rod.
Works all the time
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Old 03-10-2019, 11:42 PM   #9
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

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Originally Posted by Joop View Post
Loosen the tank steering column bracket in the car
Loosen the clamp on the bottom of the steering column
Turn the steering column to adjust the rod.
Works all the time
Er, no it doesn't!!
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Old 03-11-2019, 12:43 AM   #10
The Master Cylinder
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

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Originally Posted by Joop View Post
Loosen the tank steering column bracket in the car
Loosen the clamp on the bottom of the steering column
Turn the steering column to adjust the rod.
Works all the time
He has a 7 tooth box, can't rotate.
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Old 03-11-2019, 05:39 PM   #11
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Default Re: Spark Rod Adjustment

Can you not bend the small lever at the lower end of the steering box?
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