Timing, firing order, TDC location

[Nick1966]

I am currently restoring a 1948 Ferguson TE-20, that had the distributor stolen from it. I have no idea how to determine where TDC is, and what to set my timing at. Also is the firing order read clockwise or anti-clockwise?
 

[Richard L]

TDC is when #1 cylinder (closest to radiator) is on the compression stroke at the top. You could take #1 plug out and turn engine over until you feel compression then take something that will fit in the spark plug hole and into the cylinder, keep turning engine until that object you put in the cylinder does not move up any higher that will be TDC. Install the distributor 10:00 o'clock position will be # 1 spark plug wire, 2:00 will be #2 plug wire, 7:00 will be #3, 5:00 will be #4 plug. The distributor turns counterclockwise. So the firing order is 1-3-4-2. If you need more help come back. Richard
 

[ron8]

i have a dist
 

[Jerry/MT]

To add to what Richard said, there is a timing window below the starter. When you find #1 on the compression stroke, tap the starter till you see 0 oBTDC in the window while still on the compression stroke. At that point you at the correct timing for the TE-20 per the Ferguson Shop Manual. (I never understood why the TE-20 has a different timing point then the TO20 when they use the same engine. I may be that the manual is incorrect.)
Now install the distributor so that the rotor is pointing at the 10 o'clock position and put on the distributor cap so that spark plug wire going to #1 spark plug is at that position. The distributor rotates CCW so the #3 wire goes in the next position, followed by the #4 wire, and then the #2. Now place a paper clip or a bent wire into the # 1 spark plug boot, turn the ignition on and holding the #1 plug boot/wire near a good ground, slightly rotate the distributor back and forth until you hear the spark snap. At that point you are statically timed. You may have to do this afew times to zero in on the correct point and when you tighten down the sidtributor witot moving it. Start the engine and check the timing and the advance mechanism with a timing light.
I hope you find this helpfull.
 

[John (UK)]

On a TE20 with the original engine the timing marks for this model is on the left front of the timing cover with a Vee cut into the crankshaft pulley. This should be timed to TDC.Just turn the engine over without the plugs in and feel the compression on number one cylinder as you do this, once you feel it, look at the crankshaft pulley and the timing mark as you turn the engine slowly until they line up. Then lower the Distributor in place, you need to be aware that because of the type of gear used the distributor will turn as you lower it into position and you will have to allow for this by turning the distributor so that when you do lower it the points will open at the correct position without screwing the distributor around into some awkward position. The normal position of the distributor is with number one at the 10 o' clock position. If you need more help with this, email me at fergusontractors @ tiscali.co.uk
jut tell me what you need and I will send it....John
 

[PATRICKF]

[Bob (Aust)]

Patrick

I just noticed you are in Australia. These guys are talking about the distributor installed in the Continental Z120 engine fitted to the original TE20, none of which came to Australia.

If you are in Australia and looking for a distributor for a Ferguson tractor, my guess you need a Lucas distributor to fit a Standard Motor Company engine installed in a TEA20 or TED20 tractor?

I believe new after market distributors are available for the TEA20 at very reasonable cost, but have no idea of the quality.

I have a spare overhauled Lucas distributor for a TEA20 which may get you out of trouble.

Save yourself hassles and install Pertronix electronic ignition!

I am at Roma in Queensland.

Bob in Oz
'53 TEA20