1953 Flathead Timing Help

[MickO]

I dont have any vacuum advance on mine, i have the timing around 6 degrees before TDC now, so i will try it like that to see how she runs. thanks for the reply.

[40desoto]

I have recently got my motor rebuilt and after setting everything we attempted to fire but would backfire through the carburetors.  My neighbor assisting me has asked-

what do people run for base ignition timing at idle and total ignition timing without vacuum advance connected?

 

 

[Merle Coggins]

For start up you can set the ignition timing to 0, or TDC. Also, double check that you don’t have the distributor installed 180 degrees off. It’s happened to me more often that I’d like to admit. 

[40desoto]

It was installed 180 degrees off.  I already flipped it around and reinstalled. 

Doesnt seem to have a lot of flexibility as to how much to adjust the timing, hoping I dont have to remove oil pump to adjust.

[DJ194950]

There is two places to adjust the timing at the dist.

1 is the main one where the dist clamp bolts to the block, easily seen.

2nd. is under the dist. where the clamp has a bolt head hanging down that can be loosened and more rotation of the dist. is possible.

Having a section of rubber hose in the vacuum advance line at the dist. also make timing Much easier as compared to a solid line from carb. to the dist.

 

DJ

 

[40desoto]

On 8/4/2019 at 7:36 AM, 40desoto said:

It was installed 180 degrees off.  I already flipped it around and reinstalled. 

Doesnt seem to have a lot of flexibility as to how much to adjust the timing, hoping I dont have to remove oil pump to adjust.

 Since Im using the Stovebolt mini-HEI I had to modify the clamp in order for there to be more adjustment on the distributor.  I did this in order to avoid having to re-index the oil pump.