NAA - can't set initial timing

[mstanfield]

Re-built distributor on NAA, and can"t set initial timing. About to call it quits!

Followed shop manual...I think...

Found TDC with timing marks showing in window; rotated engine by hand until 8 degrees showed. Pulled distributor and aligned rotor to #1 distributor tower. Rotated distributor until points started to open. Tried to start and tractor backfired.

Pulled everything apart...and it seems like the rotor is 180 degrees "off". I"ve done this twice now, thinking something slipped.

What on earth am I doing wrong? I"ve got a 2500 pound paper weight in the barn!

 

[Mike OH]

Number 1 plug is closest to the radiator. Rotation is 1,2,4,3 CW on the NAA

 

[old]

That timing mark will in fact show up twice once at TDC on compression which is what you want and then also at TDC on the exhaust stoke which it sounds like you have it at right now. So yep sounds like you have it 180 out so the easy thing is to take the wires and cross them over to the opposite side of the cap as in swap 1 and 4 and 2 and 3

 

[Den N Ms]

Mstanfield,You have to pull the number one plug out ,then with helper with a finger over the plug hole roll it over till compression is felt.Then turn slowly while lining up the timing marks in the window. Then recheck the distributor timing location to the rotor the #1 on the cap. Some flywheels have two sets of timing marks 180% apart.And you had it set on the wrong marks.

 

[mstanfield]

Hmmm...didn't know about two sets of marks...I'll use white chaulk on a set and try again.

Dumb question: with my finger over the hole...how do you tell which cycle the engine is on...compression vs exhaust? Especially when there are two sets of marks?

I must be missing something here...never been afraid to ask a stupid question...

 

[mstanfield]

Oh...another question. I used a roll pin for the gear to shaft connection...will I have any problems with this? I flared the ends.

 

[Den N Ms]

Mstanfield,When its coming up on compression stroke it will be blowing air past your finger in the plug hole.As you turn it and feel compression past your finger in the plug hole,be watching for the timing marks.On the exhaust stroke the exhaust valve is open and the pressure goes out the exhaust.

 

[old]

Only one set of mark but the distributor turns 1 full time to 2 turns of the crank shaft so you can have the timing mark show up twice to the one turn of the distributor so the timing mark shows up on compression and exhaust stroke so you can get it 180 out pretty easy

 

[Den N Ms]

Mstanfield,A rool pin on the distributor drive gear should be fine if it is the proper size pin.If you flared the ends some it will stay.

 

[R Geiger]

(quoted from post at 11:36:07 07/29/12) Only one set of mark but the distributor turns 1 full time to 2 turns of the crank shaft so you can have the timing mark show up twice to the one turn of the distributor so the timing mark shows up on compression and exhaust stroke so you can get it 180 out pretty easy

Both of my 8n's have two sets of marks. Is the NAA different? just wondering.

 

[Charner]

If the No.1 is at top compression and the flywheel is at mark then the rotor should be on No.1 on the distributor cap. If you don't watch it when you install the dist. back in it tends to turn as it sets in the bottom and moves the timing. Make sure the rotor is at the no.1 location and keep turning until it stops properly. Then put the cap on and hopfully you problems are solved. Send results, we seldom know what solved the problem.