The Ford Barn

Ziggster · 09-06-2025, 12:54 AM

Finally got through “testing” a non-rebuilt/as-is Crab distributor on my Allen Syncrograph (Model E-316HD). I purchased this machine 5 yrs ago in Rochester, NY and. Only got around to actually seeing if it truly worked starting last week. I mentioned in this thread, that I would follow-up with my observations.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351398

I’m a complete novice when it comes to testing these types of distributors, and it was a bit of a steep learning curve, and still is. The machine has issues such as a burnt out neon bulb (one of two), a non-functioning tach (works but is inaccurate), but despite those issues I was still able to get speed data with an optical tach, and the one bulb was just sufficient to read the flashes on the degree wheel.

I did purchase a photocopy of the manual off of eBay several years ago, but it was of poor quality in terms of quality of images, cropped pages, and missing pages. I did find other copies of the manual on-line, as well as other literature related to the Allen Syncrographs. I’m willing to share that info with others who request it to help support those who are going through what I just went through trying to get this one working. I do have this thread on the HAMB as well going over them”restoration” of the machine, including the results, but will summarize just the test results in this thread.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...1217704/page-4

I’ll post details of the results later this morning hoping it will prompt experienced folks with these machines/distributors to comment on what I measured, what I did right, and what I did wrong. Haha!

38 coupe · 09-06-2025, 06:45 AM

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I'm curious what you found. I go through the front mount Ford distributors with good results, but have never had one on a distributor machine. I'd be curious to see the difference between a machine set unit and one I do.

09-06-2025, 12:54 AM	#1
Ziggster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 1,373	Test Results - Crab Dist on my Allen Synchrograph Finally got through “testing” a non-rebuilt/as-is Crab distributor on my Allen Syncrograph (Model E-316HD). I purchased this machine 5 yrs ago in Rochester, NY and. Only got around to actually seeing if it truly worked starting last week. I mentioned in this thread, that I would follow-up with my observations. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351398 I’m a complete novice when it comes to testing these types of distributors, and it was a bit of a steep learning curve, and still is. The machine has issues such as a burnt out neon bulb (one of two), a non-functioning tach (works but is inaccurate), but despite those issues I was still able to get speed data with an optical tach, and the one bulb was just sufficient to read the flashes on the degree wheel. I did purchase a photocopy of the manual off of eBay several years ago, but it was of poor quality in terms of quality of images, cropped pages, and missing pages. I did find other copies of the manual on-line, as well as other literature related to the Allen Syncrographs. I’m willing to share that info with others who request it to help support those who are going through what I just went through trying to get this one working. I do have this thread on the HAMB as well going over them”restoration” of the machine, including the results, but will summarize just the test results in this thread. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...1217704/page-4 I’ll post details of the results later this morning hoping it will prompt experienced folks with these machines/distributors to comment on what I measured, what I did right, and what I did wrong. Haha!

09-06-2025, 06:45 AM	#2
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,135	Re: Test Results - Crab Dist on my Allen Synchrograph Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I'm curious what you found. I go through the front mount Ford distributors with good results, but have never had one on a distributor machine. I'd be curious to see the difference between a machine set unit and one I do.