The Jalopy Journal

captain j · 04-21-2012, 10:31 AM

I am trying to get my 31 model a 4 banger running right. I am trying to set up the timing on it but have a few questions. I read to set the spark advance lever on the steering wheel to fully retard then set up the points to start to break /open. The problem I have is when I do his the rotor is pointing in between the #4 and #1 as in the pic. the by the time the points close its just starting to make contact with the #1.
Now If I fully advance the spark advance and things line up and I can get it to kinda run but when its running and I try to kick back the spark advance towards the middle or back to retard it just dies like its not getting any spark.
I want to know where exactly any of yours are set up ?

I know the engine is top dead center when setting this up.

**Ole don** · 04-21-2012, 10:38 AM

Ask on the Ford Barn model A forum.

**DirtyJoe** · 04-21-2012, 10:46 AM

It took me a few tries to get this set on mine too. You have to keep moving your distributor cam until you get it right. Also recommend the ford barn. Lots of good info there too.

chev55 · 04-21-2012, 01:41 PM

Have you tried to follow this instruction?
http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

telecustom · 04-21-2012, 04:33 PM

Your too far back, with in advance from pic is where you should be in retard. Here is mine before and after in retard. I was too much ahead.

After..

http://s935.photobucket.com/albums/a...nger%20timing/

04-21-2012, 10:38 AM	#2
Ole don Alliance Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southern Illinois half way between Benton and DuQuoin Posts: 2,491	Re: 31 model a flathead 4 timing ???? Ask on the Ford Barn model A forum.

04-21-2012, 10:46 AM	#3
DirtyJoe Alliance Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Freeport MI Posts: 230	Re: 31 model a flathead 4 timing ???? It took me a few tries to get this set on mine too. You have to keep moving your distributor cam until you get it right. Also recommend the ford barn. Lots of good info there too.

04-21-2012, 04:33 PM	#5
telecustom Grenade Inspector Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Langey, BC Posts: 277	Re: 31 model a flathead 4 timing ???? Your too far back, with in advance from pic is where you should be in retard. Here is mine before and after in retard. I was too much ahead. After.. http://s935.photobucket.com/albums/a...nger%20timing/

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-21-2012, 10:31 AM	#1
captain j Grenade Inspector Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: mount holly, nj Posts: 100	31 model a flathead 4 timing ???? I am trying to get my 31 model a 4 banger running right. I am trying to set up the timing on it but have a few questions. I read to set the spark advance lever on the steering wheel to fully retard then set up the points to start to break /open. The problem I have is when I do his the rotor is pointing in between the #4 and #1 as in the pic. the by the time the points close its just starting to make contact with the #1. Now If I fully advance the spark advance and things line up and I can get it to kinda run but when its running and I try to kick back the spark advance towards the middle or back to retard it just dies like its not getting any spark. I want to know where exactly any of yours are set up ? I know the engine is top dead center when setting this up. Attached Thumbnails

04-21-2012, 01:41 PM	#4
chev55 Grenade Inspector Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 101	Re: 31 model a flathead 4 timing ???? Have you tried to follow this instruction? http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm __________________ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=134750