Distributor

[Arhtur Wolch]

I have a 1949 Ford 8N and had the distributor put back together after I foolishly took it apart. But I cannot find in my manual how to set the timming for the front mount squarecan distributor. Can anyone send me some easy to understand directions how to go about setting the timing. When I started restoring my little 8N I was 86 yrs old. Now I am pushing 89, and sure would appreciate some help from you young guys. The manual I have does not show this type of distributor so I am really stuck.

Thanks for any help,
Art

 

[souNdguy]

the manual does indeed have directions for static timing the front mount dizzy. you will need it on your desk, plus a straight edge, plus a drill bit to use as a locating pin.

soundguy

 

[DollarBill]

Arthur, I'm not sure if you're still trying to get your distributor timed but thought I'd post anyhow.

Get a meter or test light, a 21/64” drill bit & a metal straight edge. Put the distributor face down with the condenser on the left & the timing plate lock screw on the bottom.

Look at the end of the shaft: it has a narrow side & a wide side. Make sure you can tell the difference. Now, place the drill bit in the bottom mounting hole. (this will be your reference point for measuring).

Next, place a straight edge on the wide side of the tang on shaft as shown below:

Rotate the shaft CCW until the straight edge is ¼" away from the outside edge of the drill bit you stuck in the distributor mounting hole.

At this distance, the distributor points should start to open. (get your meter/light out now & check) If not, loosen the timing plate lock screw and turn to advance or retard the timing - Move the plate down to advance timing, up to retard. Remember, each one of those little hash marks represents about 5 degrees of timing.

Keep adjusting until you get the proper ¼" setting. (if the plate won’t move, you may need to remove the big C clip to loosen it a bit) As you’re adjusting, eliminate backlash by turning the shaft backwards (CW) and bring the shaft forwards (CCW) to measure your setting. This ¼" setting will get you static timing at top dead center.


[color=darkred:a7f99fe6dd][b:a7f99fe6dd]Compliments of Bruce Haynes[/b:a7f99fe6dd][/color:a7f99fe6dd]