Timing a Model T Ford

Finding the Correct Piston Position

See www.andersontimer.com for additional helpful information.

Remove No. 1 spark plug, reconnect the wire Note the plastic rod has a ferrule larger than

and set it up on the head as shown. (Better the hole in the fitting so it can’t fall in.

yet, remove all plugs, clean and re-gap to The plastic rod is following the piston’s travel

.025 in.) Look in the plug hole with a up and down. Here, the piston is moving up.

a flashlight, or use a plastic fitting as

shown with a plastic rod to determine (Note that the fitting and plastic rod set is

piston location. Here, the piston is down. Available from Frank’s Timer Service)

Here, the piston has reached the top and is Adjust the timer rod for the proper timer setting

slightly on the way back down. You can see The EZ-Bend tools make the job easy.

the plug firing. Note that the plug only fires The EZ-Bend tools and the plastic rod and

every other revolution, so you may have to fitting are available from Frank’s Timer Service.

turn the engine over several times.

The timer is installed and properly adjusted so that when starting the engine with the spark lever fully retarded, the plug will not fire until the piston is on the way back down on the compression stroke. Use the plastic rod and fitting in the Spark Plug hole to find the correct piston position. If the plug fires too soon or too late, adjust the timer rod making it longer or shorter to get the correct adjustment. Use the EZ-Bend tools.

The correct adjustment is critical to be sure the engine does not fire before the piston reaches top dead center. Severe damage can occur to the Bendix drive on electric starters and to bones, tendons and ligaments on Armstrong Starters.

Please take the time to do it right. (0702)

User assumes all risks and liability.

Frank’s Timer Service, 2251 Morgan Lane, Ingleside, TX 78362

Telephone: 361-230-0318, e-mail: Frank@andersontimer.com www.andersontimer.com