timing a TO-30

[windwardwalt]

My Fergie was working like a champ when it suddenly stopped as though the ignition has been turned off. I looked around and found that the bolt that secures the clamp that holds the distributor in place was gone, and the distributor had floated up. I replaced the bolt, but now I need to figure out how to reset the timing.

I check through the 24 pages of the forum for guidance, but came up empty. Could some kind soul point me to a discussion of how to reset the distributor and the timing?

with appreciation,

~~ Walt

 

[Tom H.]

Just did this job last week!!! With a helper, pull the plugs out so the motor turns easy. You are going to put the number 1 cylinder on compression. Put a thumb over the spark plug hole on number 1 and tap the starter over till you feel good compression, do more and there will be a weaker stroke, that is exhaust. So on the compression stroke, then open the timing hole. Pry off the 1? cap under the starter. You want to see the 6 lined up. Having the spark plugs out makes this easy to turn using the fan. The numbers increase from the bottom.

When on 6 you can put the distributor in as the manual says. I like number 1 in the top left or 10:30 position. All this done and the distributor put in with the small bolt locking it down. Leave the screw just tight enough so you can rotate the distributor to adjust the timing.

A little winded but not that hard.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

* Pulling out all the plugs makes it easier, but not needed.
* Having a compression gauge can also make it easier, but not needed.
* Thumb over #1 plug hole and roll the engine over.
* Compression will build and force your thumb off the hole as it comes up to TDC.
* With your Fergy, you can use the starter and bump the engine until you feel the compression build.
* Chances are you will overshoot it a few times before you get it.
* Stop bumping the starter as the compression builds.
* Pull off the timing cover and now you can rotate the engine by hand until the timing marks line up at 6 degrees BTDC, OR whatever the
spec is.
* Is the distributor aimed at the #1 position inside the dist cap? No? Remove dist and reinstall so the rotor does aim at the #1 position.
* Note, the dist might turn as you install it, keep doing it until the rotor is aimed at #1 on the cap.
* install and secure the dist. Snug it down if you have a timing light and can adjust it. Otherwise tighten.
** IF YOU HAVE A TIMING LIGHT, rotate the engine by hand so the timing marks line up at TDC. Using a "C" clamp or other, clamp a flat file
to the front axle bolster so the edge of the file is about 1/4 inch away from the front pulley. Get the wife's finger nail polish and
mark the edge of the file and a line on the edge of the front pulley. Congratulations. You just temporarily moved the timing marks and
made it easier to set the timing while running.
* Start the engine, let it warm up a few seconds, idle sped under 600 RPM so the advance weights should not be moving inside the dist.
* Set your timing. Tighten dist and remove clamp and flat file.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Remove the spark plugs. Holding a thumb over #1 spark plug hole, bump the starter till you feel pressure on your thumb. You are now on the compression stroke. Rotate the engine so that the fly wheel timing mark is aligned with the slot in the block. You know have the #1 piston in the proper timing position. Loosen the distributor hold down bolt so you can just rotate the distributor. Take the #1 plug wire boot and place a paper clip in it and hold it near a good ground. Turn the ignition switch on. Rotate the distributor back and forth until you hear the spark snap. At that point you are timed statically. You may have to do this several times before you have it right, but when you do, tighten the hold down bolt. Put the plugs in and install the spark plug wires (1-3-4-2) firing order)and start the engine. Check with a timing light and rev it up to make sure the advance is working properly.