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09-15-2019, 09:50 PM | #1 |
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Ignition timing
1947 59A standard ignition
Looking down on the distributor sitting on my bench. The vacuum brake is at the top. The right ignition point gauges at about .015. Which is in spec. The left one, however, gauges at .009 or a little less. What effect does the smaller gap have, if any, on the timing? What effect does the smaller gap have, if any, on anything else? |
09-16-2019, 07:08 AM | #2 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Smaller gaps delay or retard timing. Gaps too small can reduced point life and foul or shunt as a result of corrosion/erosion/dirt.
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09-16-2019, 07:37 AM | #3 |
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Re: Ignition timing
The points are NOT set with a feeler gauge. They are
on a Ford~Heyer strobe machine on a dwell meter. G.M.
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09-16-2019, 08:43 AM | #4 |
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Re: Ignition timing
There are other ways to do this, such as a sun distributor machine or a k. r. Wilson timing fixture. My ford service manual calls for .014 to .016 setting and shows how to set the points using a straight edge.
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09-16-2019, 09:47 AM | #5 |
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Re: Ignition timing
When set up on a sun machine,the right points are adj. to an initial dwell with the left ones blocked off with a piece of fiber such as a match pack. That is then removed and the total dwell is set buy adj. the left set.
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09-18-2019, 10:34 AM | #6 |
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Re: Ignition timing
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09-16-2019, 03:37 PM | #7 |
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Re: Ignition timing
The 9th gap will most likely add a premature failure facture into it due to the rubbing block ware ,the and closing up .015 ect is only a starting measurement ,could end up different at the end of adjustment .I noticed in the U tube Ford Factory video setting them ,looks like no feeler gauges are used ,some sort of Heyer or Vane machine ,
Last edited by FlatheadTed; 09-16-2019 at 06:24 PM. |
09-16-2019, 09:09 PM | #8 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Anyone have a pic of the straightedge method? I remember seeing it in one of the books I have somewhere. Thanks
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Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson) |
09-16-2019, 09:36 PM | #9 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Some of the early edition Motor Manuals have it in them probably before 1949.
Those manuals dont bring a lot of money |
09-16-2019, 09:38 PM | #10 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Look on VanPelts site.
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09-16-2019, 11:23 PM | #11 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Here's some tips
http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm Distributor timing .32to 48 timing fixture don't need em , |
09-16-2019, 11:57 PM | #12 |
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Re: Ignition timing
If you are using quality points although not ideal you could set them by gap not dwell. If you are using cheap quality points it’s a crap shoot. Send it to someone with a sun machine and for little to no money they can adjust to the proper dwell and set the timing.
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09-17-2019, 05:17 PM | #13 |
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Re: Ignition timing
There are static jigs around for setting the dwell, there are two on ebay now,exspensive though.
keep a lookout for them . Lawrie |
09-17-2019, 07:29 PM | #14 |
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Re: Ignition timing
I am a poor guy, I set mine with a set of feeler gauges, like my Dad did before me all the way up till mid 70s when Dad 75 Lincoln.
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09-18-2019, 01:12 PM | #15 |
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Re: Ignition timing
AGREED , THE MACHINE IS NICE BUT THERES MILLIONS SET WITH FEELER GAUGES. AND ALWAYS WILL BE.....
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09-17-2019, 07:36 PM | #16 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Ya' know, I was in your camp until about 3 months ago, when I replaced the points on the Mallory dual point on the '51 Merc in my '51 Ford. For some reason, that particular setup didn't have the little slots they usually have where you can insert a small screwdriver to move the points a little bit at a time. I bought an old universal dwell/tach meter off of eBay for $20. Now I realize I should have done it 50 years ago.
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09-18-2019, 09:45 AM | #17 |
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Re: Ignition timing
One of the problems in these discussions is terminology.
TIMING an early flathead distributor is a little different than TESTING a distributor. TIMING involves setting the dwell and adjusting the initial advance. TESTING means checking the distributor for wear, bad parts, faulty operation, etc. TIMNG and TESTING can be done at the same time ... with aging distributors and questionable new parts, it's a good idea. BUT, claiming that one cannot TIME a flathead distributor using feeler gauges to set the dwell ... ? THINK about it. Ford designed, patented and produced the distributor with the intent of having points set with feeler gauges. Ford did not design it so that owners had to send their distributors to G.M. and Skip Haney to be timed.:roll eyes: The misinformation, much from using the wrong descriptions, has given the distributors a bad reputation. Am all for testing distributors. But, when someone asks how to time one, please give a knowledgable answer.
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09-18-2019, 01:56 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Ignition timing
Quote:
Glad you jumped in , this thread is out of shape. Had surgery on my arm (for dialysis port) monday and just didnt want to type. I call these "thread drifts" thats when a thread or discussion just is full of non factual info. Good job hoop!!!!!!!! |
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09-18-2019, 02:38 PM | #19 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Bubba, a heap of blessings on your arm.
As you know, folks repeat what they think is correct. Let's pick on Mart ... he's a great contributor ... and examine what he posted in all good faith. "I'm not sure if Ford intended the pre 49 V8 points to be set with feeler gauges." As a matter of historical accuracy, let's look down below at Ford's patent for the helmet distributor. The original intent was for the operator/owner/mechanic to time the distributor using a "timing plate" (fixture) mounted on the "dash" (firewall) of the vehicle. The operator needed no special skill. It is a GUESS that a specified gap was set using feeler gauges but it was universal practice at the time. It is not mentioned in the patent but gapping points was as common as gapping plugs. Imagine Farmer Brown having to go into town to the dealer to have his points changed ... unlike his previous Fords which he did himself. Or, imagine Bonnie and Clyde bringing in their '34 Ford for a tune up. Here's a good read: https://patents.google.com/patent/US1963657A/en
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"Remember that when it comes to intelligence, half of all of us are below average." Last edited by Hoop; 09-18-2019 at 03:39 PM. Reason: typo |
09-18-2019, 09:54 AM | #20 |
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Re: Ignition timing
Hoop i would agree with that last part if all we used were genuine Ford parts. Ever set up a 32-36 with a feeler gauge using reproduction points and checked the dwell?
The 49 and later guys and 4/6 cylinder guys should have no issues using a feeler gauge to set dwell |
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