Ford 8N Distributor Shaft

[Scottie1962]

I removed the side mount distributor from my 8N tractor and seemed to have messed up the timing. I think I turned the rotor shaft. How do I put it back on correctly?

 

[Soundguy]

You can actually have the distribuitor installed 'wrong', but as long as the rotor points at the #1 spark plug at the top of the compression stroke.. it will work.. reguardless of where nipple #1 shows up on the distribuitor cap.

The I&T FO-4 manual has a good section on timing the tractors. Most likely you'll be pulling your manifold, so that you can see the valves move.. etc.

Now see.. if you would have had a front mount.. you wouldn't have to worry how you installed it! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Soundguy

 

[elad]

Remove the spark plugs-turn engine with fan with finger over
the number 1 plug hole-turn engine till you feel compression
on your finger-rotate till piston is up-install distributor so the
rotor is pointing to number 1 plug wire terminal on the cap.
You kind of roll the shaft in to get it to line up with terminal.
Reinstall the plugs and watch what happens. If you did it right!
You must be on compression stroke@ TDC with rotor pointing
to number plug wire terminal. GOOD LUCK

 

[Scottie1962]

Thanks, Soundguy. My Dad told me the same thing about the front mount distributor, only goes in one way!

 

[Soundguy]

Elad gave you some good quickie advice. It will get you gery ballpark, depending on how accurate you are about the piston reaching tdc. And like he said.. the distrib gear will want to turn to mesh going in.. so you have to allow for it. Not hard to repull and spin a tooth and try again.. etc.

If you can get it ballpark, you can fine tune it.

And yes.. front mount ain't such a bad thing.. once you have to pull a side mount distribuitor!

Soundguy

 

[Scottie1962]

elad/soundguy,
I took the manifold off and set the distributor rotor to Number one piston at 17 degrees off of TDC on the compression stroke per the I&T manual I have. Tractor still won't start just turns over and backfires occasionally. Any suggestions??

 

[TBAILEY]

have you set the gap on the points? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Scottie1962]

I set it to .25 per the manual. What is the proper procedure to do this?

 

[Scottie1962]

Haven't gapped points since I owned a '68 Chevelle

 

[TBAILEY]

i have always gaped them at .20 here is the short version
rotate engine until points seperate, loosen hold down screw
insert feeler gauge adjut gap until you have slight drag
on gauge while sliding it back and fourth