Timing the engine

[toms32]

Hope some of you experts can help with an issue I am having starting a 1935 all original flathead. The engine was rebuilt along with the distributor and I know we have the wires properly set but when we try and start it is back firing which I assume the timing is off. Does the distributor have to be off to do set this ?? does the number one cylinder have to be at top dead center ? is there a tool out there that can be put in place of the spark plug to make sure you are there ??? any help appreciated thanks Tom Gormley Woodbury CT

[Ggmac]

Make sure you have number 1 cyl on pass side front . The distributor has an offset mounting but it is possible to install wrong using muscle which usually cracks the distributor. If the distributor is installed correctly, you are usually close enough for the engine to run .
Are we talking original distributor and 6 volt pos ground ?
Yes 1 needs to be at tdc and on its compression stroke . Timing should be close if the distributor is installed .
Make sure the wires in the distributor cap are installed correctly.
Sorry, time for coffee.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by Ggmac

Make sure you have number 1 cyl on pass side front . The distributor has an offset mounting but it is possible to install wrong using muscle which usually cracks the distributor. If the distributor is installed correctly, you are usually close enough for the engine to run .
Are we talking original distributor and 6 volt pos ground ?
Yes 1 needs to be at tdc and on its compression stroke . Timing should be close if the distributor is installed .
Make sure the wires in the distributor cap are installed correctly.
Sorry, time for coffee.

The passenger front is not #1.
#1 is the RIGHT Front.
Cheers

[glennpm]

"The passenger front is not #1"

It is for LHD's :-)

[Seth Swoboda]

If you had your distributor set up on a distributor tester/timing machine, it should be a bolt on and run project. As was mentioned the offset tang on the back of the distributor fits into the slot on the camshaft one way. You can force it the wrong way but normally you break something. Do you know for sure you have your plug wires installed correctly in the distributor caps? I'm assuming you are running the divers helmet style distributor? Who rebuilt your distributor?

[chap52]

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I had difficulty getting my engine to start after a rebuild. I was installing one of Bubba's modified distributors and ended up giving Bubba a call. Great guy that talked me through the process. Ended up some space cadet had put the dist in 180 degrees out of time... Yep, I was the only one working on it...lol Live and learn about what can happen and shared a laugh with Bubba... Chap

[Terry,OH]

If the distributor is rebuilt and set on a distributor machine, the timing should not be moved. The right, front to rear side of the engine is 1.2.3,4 left 5-8 front to rear. Are you sure the cam gear is aligned with the crank gear timing marks?