Ford 9n electric ignition install

[beal]

Ford 9n front distributor newly converted to 12 volt. Working on installing Petronius ignition. I have everything installed. Should the tightening of the timing stud directly affect how freely the distributor shaft moves. It’s very hard to turn when stud is tightened snugly.

Also, I can’t find the shim washer. Is it necessary and would this effect the distributor shaft freely turning. Thank you all for your expertise.

 

[HCooke]

It has been several years since i installed Pertronix on my 9N. Can you post a picture of what you are calling the timing stud.

 

[Non-farmer]

I don't understand why people buy a pertronix and then ask anyone BUT pertronix how to make it work. CALL PERTRONIX! They know their own products and are helpful and friendly. I bought one a few years ago. I called THEM when i had a question. Still running fine..

 

[JMOR]

It has been several years since i installed Pertronix on my 9N. Can you post a picture of what you are calling the timing stud.

If he does not have a photo, maybe he can talk to this one. Probably the screw at 3 o'clock.

https://imgur.com/q424TpU

 

[beal]

Yes, thank you, that’s correct (the screw at 3 o’clock). Should the tightening of that screw affect how freely the distributor shaft turns? When I make it snug (as the directions recommend) the shaft is very hard to turn.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Yes, thank you, that’s correct (the screw at 3 o’clock). Should the tightening of that screw affect how freely the distributor shaft turns? When I make it snug (as the directions recommend) the shaft is very hard to turn.

Should have zero effect on the shaft.

 

[jimtrs]

Yes, thank you, that’s correct (the screw at 3 o’clock). Should the tightening of that screw affect how freely the distributor shaft turns? When I make it snug (as the directions recommend) the shaft is very hard to turn.

Yes, it can. The top bushing of the distributor shaft is held in a somewhat fragile position, with only the "tepee" of two arms holding it. This can, and does, become ever so slightly off center over time, usually from a bit of rough handling. When tightening the timing screw, as in your situation, It can pull the bushing off center, thus causing some binding. Try shimming extremely lightly, between the body of the distributor and the little threaded tab on the round plate, that is used to lock the timing. Start with very thin shims, in the range of .002 -- .005, and go from there. Old feeler gauges are good for this.

 

[wore out]

Yes, thank you, that’s correct (the screw at 3 o’clock). Should the tightening of that screw affect how freely the distributor shaft turns? When I make it snug (as the directions recommend) the shaft is very hard to turn.

Maybe the breaker plate has been dropped or somehow else the tab has been bent a little so it isn't perpendicular to the plate.

I would take a close look and correct the bend a little, if necessary, vs. twiddling with shims that will have to be dealt with again next time the distributor is worked on.