Unsteady Timing

[Randyr]

When I went to adjust the timing I couldn"t really set it. It was all over the place. MF35, Z134 Continental engine.
Could this cause exhaust popping noise?
What could be causing the erratic timing?
Thanks.

 

[Anonymous-0]

An intermitting short in the low voltage circuit 6 or 12 volts can cause very erratic timing.
Good luck

 

[Anonymous-0]

Badly worn bushings and distributor shaft.

Gerald J.

 

[Randyr]

Ok thanks for the answers. I went looking on the net and have seen new and rebuilt distributors for sale.
Do the new ones use the same cap, rotor, dust cover and internals as the old ones? I have a Pertronix in mine and it would be nice if I did have to replace the dist that I could just swap in the Pertronix.
Of course I'll check the wiring first, I'd like a cheap fix.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Check for shaft/bushing wear. With the points closed, push radiallly (from the side) while observing the shaft and then the points. the allowable radial runout is 0.002" so the shaft should have a barely perceptable motion and the points should not move. If you can notice movement in the shaft or if the pooints move your shaft and/or bushing is worn.

Have you looked around for an auto electric shop that can rebuild your distributor?

Generally when you get a rebuilt distributor the cap and rotor, points, etc do not come with it. You'll have to ask the seller what it comes with. Your Pertonix should fit a rebuilt distributor since they are "drop in" units.

 

[Brent B3]

When I went to adjust the timing I couldn"t really set it. It was all over the place. MF35, Z134 Continental engine.
Could this cause exhaust popping noise?
What could be causing the erratic timing?
Thanks.

What was the outcome of this?