Timing my M

[Anonymous-0]

Can anyone tell me step by step how to time my M correctly ?? When I put the timing light on her the mark on the pulley is about 3 inches off the pointer towards the top of engine. She backfires thru the carb. Thanks

 

[Anonymous-0]

Pull the #1 plug.

With ignition off, and your thumb stuck over #1 plug hole rotate the engine in bumps with the starter, or best with the crank, until the compression pushes air out past your thumb.
then rotate the engine slowly (best with crank) until the timing marks are aligned. (assuming the points are set correctly at .020") put a test light on the coil connected to the small wire going to the distributor. Turn on the ignition. The test light may be lit, or off. Loosen the distributor and turn it until the light changes to either on or off. set it at that point of kinda off and kinda on. That is the point break spot, and since the marks are aligned, so is the timing. JimN

 

[Anonymous-0]

Jim, will this work with all 4 cyl engines? IH tractors of course. Any exceptions? David.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Sam, This is basically the same method as Jims (which I actually prefer) but if you dont have a DC test lamp handy: Remove the coil wire from top of distributor cap (leave coil end intact) and place its metal/brass contact end within a 1/4 gap from tractor iron,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,loosen and retard the distributor timing as far retarted/slow as it will turn,,,,,,,,,get the No 1 piston to TDC on its Compression Power (NOT exhaust) Stroke i.e. TDC timing mark,,,,,,,,,,,,have points adjusted to proper high cam clearance,,,,,,,,,turn on the ignition,,,,,,slowlyyyyyyyyy turn the distributor advanced/faster just until the coil wire fires a spark across that gap and STOP,,,,,,,,the initial start timing ought to be close enough.

John T

 

[Anonymous-0]

I would use the timing light to time it. With
the timing light pickup connected to No1 plug wire near the radiator and the engine at an idle. Loosen the hold down bolt on the distributor and turn the distributor gently until your timing marks are aligned. Hal
PS: If it's a mag you have to use what the others suggested.

 

[Anonymous-0]

It is not intended for any tractor that does not use static (stopped engine) timing to set the fully retarded (starting) timing. It will almost always get a vehicle/tractor running even if poorly. to then set it with a strobe light. It is safe and operational. JimN

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have used a timing light and I can't get the marks to come within 3 inches of each other, no matter how much I advance or retard it. By marks, I mean the pointer and the mark on the crank pulley. I think distributor needs to be pulled and reinstalled, and this is what I don't know how to do.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You may be timed to No4 piston. Hook your light pickup to No4 plug wire and see if the timing marks are closer. Hal
PS: Post back on what you find.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You may need to remove No1 sparkplug and bring No1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke. Hold your thumb over the plug hole while someone slowly handcranks the engine. Once you feel that compression you drop a large handle screwdriver in the plug hole. Make sure the handle is large enough so it won't fall into the cylinder.

Then slowly keep cranking and watch the screwdriver rise. When it quits rising you should be at TDC and the timing notch should be aligned with the pointer. Then remove the distributor cap and see where the rotor is pointing. It should be at the No1 plug tower. Hal
PS; Your firing order is like this:

2-1
4-3 As you view the cap

 

[Anonymous-0]

Did you find the problem with your timing? Hal

 

[Anonymous-0]

Could it be the carb making it cough and sometimes lightly backfire thru the carb ??? Does this when I open the throttle quickly. Will sit and idle nice. Timing seems to be OK as I did what I was told by you great people. Thanks