The
The timing must be
checked every time a timer is changed to make sure the cylinder does not fire
before top dead center when the spark is retarded. Push the spark advance lever all the way up,
remove #1 spark plug (better yet, remove all 4, clean and re-gap to .025” while
you’re at it). Connect the plug wires
and lay the plugs on the head so you can see them fire. Watch the top of the piston with a flashlight
while hand cranking the engine. With the
ignition switch on “battery”, the coil should fire only after the piston is on
the way back down after it has reached the top of its stroke, with the spark fully
retarded. Bend the ¼” rod that moves the
timer to achieve this adjustment. Note that the plug will fire every other
revolution, so you may have to turn the crank several times.
Another good way to
determine the piston position is to screw a plastic hose connector into the ½
inch NPT spark plug hole and use a piece of heavy plastic “wire” such as that
used on weed trimmers to “feel” the piston position. Frank’s Timer Service offers such a kit, as
well as timer rod adjusting tools.
Another way to check
the timing is to place the timer on the engine without connecting the
wires. The function of the timer is fire
the coils by grounding them. Using test
leads, a test light & battery or an ohm meter, you can see when the timer
grounds the contact. Connect the ohm
meter or light in series with a battery from the proper timer contact to
ground. The lamp will light, or the ohm
meter will read short circuit when the timer makes the contact. Note the position of the piston as described
above and adjust the ¼” timer rod.
The proper setting
for optimum high speed operation is a subject of much debate and is probably
somewhere between 3/8 inch and ¾ inch
before top dead center. The best advice
is to listen carefully to the engine and run as far advanced as possible to
achieve smooth operation, maximum power, and cooler running. Note that too little spark advance can cause
loss of power and overheating. Too much
spark advance can also cause loss of power, and can be hard on the rod
bearings.
Do not loosen the
nuts and screws securing the contacts in the housing, as the timing will be
affected. Please use the extra nuts and
lock washers provided for making your connections.
Please get into the
habit of fully retarding the spark before turning your ignition off. This will reduce the chances of accidental
damage to starters (electric and manual).
Some older timing
gears have a thicker web than the originals and the cam gear securing nut may
protrude out past the camshaft boss on which the rotor seats. The rotor may then be forced into a recess
under the cam gear nut and then bind the flapper. A simple shim made from 16 gage wire in a
9/16 inch diameter circle may work in an emergency, but proper spacers are
available from Frank’s Timer Service. In
severe cases, the position of the rotor may not be centered properly with the
contacts in the case. A special “short”
rotor is available for those cases.
Please contact the factory (info below), and we’ll ship one right out to
you.
We recommend you
discard the original tin shield and felt ring seal and the install a modern oil
seal. The tin shield may cause ignition
problems when it becomes worn or damaged.
The modern seal is a CR #9876 or equivalent. Note that all housings may not provide a
tight fit for this seal, but a bit of RTV sealant will assure a good tight
fit. The seal can be more easily
installed if a piece of shim stock (or tin can) is rolled up, placed inside the
seal and used as a guide to get the seal over the camshaft nut.
It is advisable to
occasionally blow the fine dust out of the case with an air nozzle. BE SURE TO USE EYE PROTECTION! We recommend that a small amount of lubricant
be placed on the contacts of the
Please contact us if
you have any problems or questions. Our
Goal is Complete Customer Satisfaction and smooth running, dependable Model T
Fords, so please do not hesitate to call with any problems.
See the website below
or contact the undersigned for additional useful publications and information.
User assumes all
risks and responsibility.
Frank’s Timer
Service, 2251 Morgan Lane, Ingleside,
TX 78362
Telephone:
361-230-0318, e-mail: Frank@andersontimer.com www.andersontimer.com rev0904