Timing on Farmall Super C

[Shagman]

How do I check the timing on a Super C? We have been moving the distributor forward and back and it sounds pretty good, but I would like to do it the proper way.

 

[georgeky]

That is the proper way. Tune it until it sounds the smoothest and best. Then run it until to operating temp. Shut it off and see how it starts back. If it runs hot or is hard to start it is off a little. Timing lights are not the best on these old machines as they do not allow for years of wear.

 

[Wayne in MN]

There are marks on the rim of the flywheel; the spark should be timed so it occurs at TDC while cranking.
Timing by "ear" can be a risky proposition; no offense to those who have practiced for years and can get an engine to run decent that way.

 

[Dave H (MI)]

If you look on the IH board 'round about August 11-12 you will see a post from me regarding this matter. A lot of guys gave me some really good advice. I am pretty much a novice at this stuff and had that non-running tractor fired up in about 15 minutes. Worth looking back at.

 

[NawlensGator]

My 140's have the 123 ci engine, same as the super C. I have a pointer over the front pulley hub with tiiming marks (-10, TDC, +10, +20, +30) 1 deg apart. At 1400 rpm I set them at +14 deg (22 deg if all fuel). I've tried turning the distributor and setting by sound, but I have much better luck with a timing light. You may have to sand the hub a little and use a flashlight to find and read the the timing marks. Then mark 14 deg with white chalk or paint.