No power

[vern hodgson]

So, car starts and seems to idle reasonably well, except when it starts up a gtade, then it can’t hardly get out of the way of itself. Can the carbuerator be at fault?

[J Franklin]

When new they only had 40 HP. How is your compression? Does it rev up ok in neutral? How steep a grade?

[40 Deluxe]

Is the initial timing set per Ford's instructions? If so, where are you running the spark lever? Do you retard it on a hard hill? If so, how much?

[eagle]

First thought is timing, also check point gap. Spark lever up for starting, pull down 1/2 way at least for running. Listen to your engine, if you hear pinging on excelleration you are too advanced, but if running too retarded it wont have power and will heat up in a hurry. And yes of course it could be a carb issue. Any respectably running A should run down the road strong at 50 with room to spare. I typically don't run over 50 in my Fordor because of the RPM.

[vern hodgson]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

Is the initial timing set per Ford's instructions? If so, where are you running the spark lever? Do you retard it on a hard hill? If so, how much?

Spark lever is all the way down, while idling if I move to the up position idle becomes rougher.

[vern hodgson]

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Originally Posted by J Franklin

When new they only had 40 HP. How is your compression? Does it rev up ok in neutral? How steep a grade?

Grade is not too steep, compression I cannot remember but engine was recently rebuilt I believe.

[vern hodgson]

Originally Posted by eagle

First thought is timing, also check point gap. Spark lever up for starting, pull down 1/2 way at least for running. Listen to your engine, if you hear pinging on excelleration you are too advanced, but if running too retarded it wont have power and will heat up in a hurry. And yes of course it could be a carb issue. Any respectably running A should run down the road strong at 50 with room to spare. I typically don't run over 50 in my Fordor because of the RPM.

I will again set timing and check all the following items this weekend, thanks.

[Kurt in NJ]

If the ignition timing has to be over advanced to run sort of ok it could be the cam timing is retarded. ----

[Charlie Stephens]

Is the throttle opening all of the way as shown in the picture with the lever against the stop? Have someone sit in the cab and push the gas pedal down while you look under the hood and check. Don't just reach under the hood and move the linkage because you won't get all of the slop out of it. Same with the spark advance.

Charlie Stephens

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by vern hodgson

Spark lever is all the way down, while idling if I move to the up position idle becomes rougher.

Moving the lever up should slow and smooth the idle and not make it rough.

[SDJason]

Originally Posted by vern hodgson

...while idling if I move to the up position idle becomes rougher.

I think your timing is off

[Will N]

ditto response #9. Also, make sure your Gas Adjustment Valve is opened at least a 1/4 turn. If you have it closed off, you're starving the engine of gas when you're putting a load on it.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Your timing is way late. When the timing pin drops into the cam gear detent, the rotor should be in this exact position.

[johnbuckley]

What's that rotor arm Tom? Not seen one like that over here

[Purdy Swoft]

Like Toms picture !!! If there is any backlash , make sure that it is ALL left on the counter clockwise side of the rotor tip or it will still be retarded . The distributor turns counterclockwise when the engine runs but rides on the clockwise side of any backlash .

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by johnbuckley

What's that rotor arm Tom? Not seen one like that over her

I balance my rotors. If you put a shaft, cam, and rotor into an electric drill and spin it at 1000 RPM, you'll shake the drill, unless you balance the rotor. The distributor bushings and shaft feel this same shaking and will wear quicker from it.

[HDowse]

Hi Tom, I sent you a PM on a generator problem that has me stumped. Thanks, Hunt.

[Curtis in MA]

Tom, are those bolts through it?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Curtis in MA

Tom, are those bolts through it?

Yes, some day I should measure the size, and list it, but they are just long enough to go through and fasten a nut on the bottom of each screw.

[katy]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Yes, some day I should measure the size, and list it, but they are just long enough to go through and fasten a nut on the bottom of each screw.

Going by the picture they appear to be #10s, possibly 10-32s.