Timing

[mrtexas]

I've reviewed all the manual timing procedures out there. Checked mine by manually cranking over the engine and observing the #1 plug spark at around TDC when I was thru adjusting. Up until now I've mostly had a mechanical advance distributor and electronic ignition on my 2 As like a Model B or a Mallory. However I want to check with a timing light. I have marked the pulley with a scratch and have a timing indicator. What should the final timing read when checked with a timing light and the advance all the way up for starting?

[Patrick L.]

From 0º to almost 40º

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

From 0º to almost 40º

You mean 0 with the lever all the way up and 40 with the lever all the way down?

[Y-Blockhead]

0° to 40° BTC is quit a range. I would be interested to know what the timing is when the advance lever is all the way up for starting also. Or actually what the timing would be "1-2 notches down on the advance lever" per Andrew's "Red Book".

I would like to check my static timing with a buzz box and a ° scale on the pulley.

[Patrick L.]

Model A
Timing supposed/normally set at TDC, lever up.
Timing thru lever arc at distributor should be about 20º
That means 40º at crank
Model B is different.
A model A with model B distributor, model A or model B timing cover which are different, all bets are off.

The way to check for advance vs lever position would be to use a timing with an advance mode, or, a plain jane timing light with an advance tape. Set the lever and read the advance.

[V4F]

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5* (idle) to 38* (running rpm) is good & safe ...........

[Y-Blockhead]

Thanks V4F, that's just what I needed.

[marc hildebrant]

With the lever all the way up (Retard), the timing, per the Ford service info should be 0 degrees.

Les Andrews method has the 0 degree indication 2-3 clicks down.

Marc

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by V4F

5* (idle) to 38* (running rpm) is good & safe ...........

5 after tdc?

[modelAtony]

Originally Posted by mrtexas

5after tdc?

When I time mine with a 6 volt timing light I get 0 at the plate you have with degrees and full adv I get around 30 on my dial. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by marc hildebrant

With the lever all the way up (Retard), the timing, per the Ford service info should be 0 degrees.

Les Andrews method has the 0 degree indication 2-3 clicks down.

Marc

That's why many say that if set by Les' instructions, you'll be OFF by 5 degrees. Then, when idling, with the spark UP, it will be firing at 5 degrees AFTER TOP DEAD CENTER & IT WILL "LABOR" at a nice slow idle. If so, loosen the cam screw & turn the dist cam just a trifle, CCW & tighten the screw. Those little cam turning/holding tool goodies are an invaluable aid, when making MINOR corrections! If you know the "proper" sounds of a Model A, you can set the timing by "the seat of your pants"!!----AND, when sum DIP-SHIT sez, "It jist JUMPED timing"--LAFF at them GREATLY & recite your favorite BRAIN MAL-FUNCTION statement IF I offened anyone, I MEANT to--Driving & wurkin' on these HOOPIES is supposed to be FUN!!

Bill W.

[Patrick L.]

I'd like to know why any of my responses are so hard to understand, they make perfect sense to me. [ smiley face]

[Phil Brown]

If nobody has messed with the slot in the distributor cap you should see 0 deg. or TDC with the lever all of the way up and 40-42 deg with it all of the way down. I don't think the timing light is worth messing with though, set it lever up with the cam pin and listen to the motor as you drive it. It'll tell you how much adv. its happy with

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

I'd like to know why any of my responses are so hard to understand, they make perfect sense to me. [ smiley face]

Pat,
We all do pretty good, considering that we CAN'T talk, use our hands, read faces or draw pics--GOOD thing we don't use video cams, Buster T. LAFFS, when I scratch my butt or pick my nose
Bill W.

[modelAtony]

Originally Posted by Phil Brown

If nobody has messed with the slot in the distributor cap you should see 0 deg. or TDC with the lever all of the way up and 40-42 deg with it all of the way down. I don't think the timing light is worth messing with though, set it lever up with the cam pin and listen to the motor as you drive it. It'll tell you how much adv. its happy with

You can be very surprised sometimes if you have set the timing without light for many years and decide to check with light one day. have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA