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Discussion Topic:
Basic Tuneup on a '36?
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Flatbob |
04-20-2010 @ 5:18 PM
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Member
Posts: 437
Joined: Oct 2009
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How do I find TDC on number one cylinder, there is no timing mark or indicator on my '36 distributor? My engine is running rough, more so at low speeds than high and in general lacks power. The carb. has been rebuilt & float level set 1/4" from top of casing with no gasket. The distributor was set up & "dialed in" by old time flathead expert & ran very nicely until recently. I have an overcharging condition that I will correct by adjusting brushes, could the overcharge condition have damaged points & condenser? How do I adjust timing on this early distributor; it appears to be more challenging than a "post hole type."
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ford38v8 |
04-20-2010 @ 7:04 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2769
Joined: Oct 2009
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Flatbob, I think you should tackle one problem at a time. Your distributor is not involved with the battery/generator/cutout problem, and is likely not out of time in any case. Once you get your electrical system back in line, your distributor will show you what it's made of.
Alan
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Flatbob |
04-20-2010 @ 7:44 PM
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Member
Posts: 437
Joined: Oct 2009
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Alan, I agree, but eventually I'm going to have to know how to do a tuneup, replace points & set timing. Tomorrow I'll adjust brushes & see how it runs. Thanks, Bob
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TomO |
04-21-2010 @ 7:48 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7257
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Flatbob, The distributor is timed by adjusting the break time of the points. This can be done on a timing fixture, but is not recommended. The current supply of replacement points lack the quality of the points that were available in the last century. The spring tension is not up to specifications and the springs do not hold their tension. Your best bet is to have the distributor serviced by having the points set on a distributor machine, by a qualified person. Make sure that the person will stand behind his work. Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 4-21-10 @ 7:49 AM
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supereal |
04-21-2010 @ 10:14 AM
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Timing is seldom a problem with pre-'49 flatheads, as it is preset with the drive system, leaving only a small adjustment with the slide plate on the distributor. Rough low speed performance and lack of power is often due to a poor or open condenser. You may also have one or more fouled spark plugs and/or leaking plug wires. If you remove the distributor caps, carefully inspect both the inner and outer caps for hairline cracks that form carbon paths. Since the car ran well until recently, it is likely one or more of the above is the cause.
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Flatbob |
04-21-2010 @ 4:41 PM
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Posts: 437
Joined: Oct 2009
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Super, you hit the head on the nail; tried a cpl. of different things & then put in a new condenser and now runs smoothly & with more power. Still, I have low compression & vacuum readings. This was my first rebuild, although I was careful to offset the ring gaps I'm thinking I may have installed a few of the rings upside down on various pistons. It is what it is & will have to live with it! Thanks everyone for the help.
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supereal |
04-22-2010 @ 7:39 AM
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Posts: 6819
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Compression may improve as the rings seat. Rings installed upside down usually don't affect compression, but do allow more oil to pass. I wouldn't worry about it. You can do a check for low vacuum with a gauge and a chart. I've attached a chart here.
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Flatbob |
04-22-2010 @ 9:55 AM
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Posts: 437
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Super, already have your chart from earlier post. Thanks for the encouraging remarks in regards to the rings seating. Thanks
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supereal |
04-22-2010 @ 2:18 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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You are welcome. Better to have two charts than none. Many of us "over the hill" guys need more than one in the hope we can find it when we need it!
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TomO |
04-23-2010 @ 6:31 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7257
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Super, that's why we have computers. When all we had were paper copies, we could have hundreds of them and never find one, now with the computer, we still have many copies and sometimes the search facility will find one.
Tom
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