Massey distributor question

[Massey_165]

Working on a Massey Ferguson 50, does the distributor have to go in a certain way? Or can it be timed after installed?

 

[Bob N.Y.]

Working on a Massey Ferguson 50, does the distributor have to go in a certain way? Or can it be timed after installed?

It does have to go in a certain way. The external adjustment is only for fine tuning. This what I did on my 35, which is the same engine. I had the spark plugs out. I put a cork in the number one spark plug hole, which is closest to the radiator. Then I turned the engine over by hand until the cork popped out. That puts the first cylinder at top dead center. There is a plug in the engine block bell housing flange. I believe on the right side, that you can remove and see the timing marks on the flywheel. Rotate the crank back just enough so the recommend spark advance lines up with the pointer. Now insert the distributor so that the rotor points at the #1 terminal on the distributor cap when the dist. is pushed down all the way. The dist shaft will turn a little as you push the dist. down because of the helical cut gears. You have to make an allowance for that.

 

[Brown David]

Yes, it has to be timed to the crankshaft position.

Rotate engine so that # 1 cylinder is on compression stroke at Top Dead Center.

Insert distributor so the rotor is pointing to the # 1 plug wire tower when distributor is fully seated.

Engine timing can then be adjusted accordingly when running.

 

[stevieb49829]

If you get the #1 piston to TDC, and your timing mark pointer is lined up, then stick a plug into your #1 plug wire, lay the plug on a good ground, loosen the distributor enough to turn it, turn on the ignition, and rotate the dist. until the spark plug fires. Do it a couple of times and tighten down the distributor. I learned that here, and it worked great doing my Continental F162. It started right up. I'll still need to tweek the timing a bit by ear, but this will get it running. And don't thank me, thank whoever suggested it originally. steve

 

[olddavid]

If you get the #1 piston to TDC, and your timing mark pointer is lined up, then stick a plug into your #1 plug wire, lay the plug on a good ground, loosen the distributor enough to turn it, turn on the ignition, and rotate the dist. until the spark plug fires. Do it a couple of times and tighten down the distributor. I learned that here, and it worked great doing my Continental F162. It started right up. I'll still need to tweek the timing a bit by ear, but this will get it running. And don't thank me, thank whoever suggested it originally. steve

You can also do this with the cap off by watching for the points to spark when they break. Either way will get you very close.

 

[used red MN]

First, what is the problem that is prompting you to swap the distributor? Rare that a distributor needs replaced. Otherwise, probably too late to the party, the deed may already be done. If your tractor was running or once ran with the distributor that is currently in it you don’t need to monkey around try to figure out what stoke or if it is on number one. Just turn the engine so the distributor rotor is pointing to a known reference point such as the “G” in “firing” cast in the block and pull it. Replace the distributor aligning the gear so the rotor points the same spot. The housing of the replacement distributor needs to be positioned fairly close in rotation to where the old one was such as where the wire to the ignition points leaves the housing and the positioning of the clips that hold the cap on. Then time the spark as Stevie has said. When doing that process set the cap on and use a marker to draw a reference mark on the housing straight down the cap from where number one spark plug wire (by fan) plugs in. Turn the engine until the rotor aligns to the mark.
Now you should be able to find the markings on the flywheel to set it to the specific setting that is called for, I don’t know what that setting is you will need to look it up. Turning the distributor to where the points just open and fire the spark it should be timed properly.