setting the timing

Posted by Wayne Parker on December 19, 1997 at 19:05:59

I have some questions about timing a Model A.
1)I have set my timing so that at TDC #1 as the timing pinjust engages the recess in the timing gear, the points just begin to open.If you connect a test light to the point arm and bring down the timing lever about 2 clicks on the quadrant, the light goes on.This is what Les Andrews suggests in his Model A handbook.When I do that, the very right hand tip of the rotor(as you are looking down) is just even with contact point on the distributor body.Some of the books say that the very center of the rotor contact should be be even with the distributor body contact point.My car seems to run OK although warm starting is sometimes a little difficult.(Ihave tried 2 different carbs.)Any opinions about this??
2)What would the symptoms be for timing that is too advanced or too retarded?How would it affect starting, especially a warm engine?Should timing lever always be set totally retarded even when starting a warm engine?
3)Is it possible that some A's might run better at a slightly altered timing because of valve setting variations or other engine differences?
I am running an original rebuilt distributor with a repro body.Is the repro body OK as far as the contact location goes?Many thanks for your help.

Follow Ups:
Re: setting the timing Marco Tahtaras December 20, 1997 at 00:32:39(1)
Re: setting the timing Marco Tahtaras December 20, 1997 at 00:56:38(0)
Re: setting the timing Bob Carabbio December 19, 1997 at 22:50:34(0)

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