Ferguson T020 Can't get the timing right.

[roy98]

I can't get the timing right on my Ferguson T020. Anyone have any ideas, or any step by step procedures on how to set the timing correctly? Thanks

 

[Ken]

I can't get the timing right on my Ferguson T020. Anyone have any ideas, or any step by step procedures on how to set the timing correctly? Thanks

roy the only suggestions I can give is the engine now running or just has been rebuilt and not able to start the engine.
If running. Find the timing marks either on the front timing cover or on flywheel marks.
clean and clearly to be able to see the mark.
Slowly turn over the engine until front piston is on top dead center using a stiff wire through the spark plug hole. check if the valves exhaust and intake are both fully closed by feeler gauge .010 or more clearance. if not turn engine one complete revolution to recheck . if so look at the timing marks they should be at TDC location. not the ignition mark 10 to 20 deg. Before the TDC. Then check the distributor and points should be pointing to #1 location . If still good now again turn over by crank or ratchet wrench 2 times to stop at IGN mark before the TDC location and look at points then should be closed and then turn engine very little should open capable of producing a spark if in time. and had battery voltage. Or magneto would hear a snap of releasing the internal spring for a spark.

If these conditions are different check why.
Now if rebuilding engine doesn't run a whole new type of checking takes place.
ken

 

[Jerry/MT]

If the engine is running, use a timing light.
If you have pulled the distributor and lost the timing here's how I'd do it.
You have to get the #1 cylinder on the compression stroke first. Pull the plugs and crank the engine over, placing your thumb over the #1 spark plug hole til you feel pressure on your thumb. You are now on the compression stroke for #1 cylinder. Rotate the engine til you see the flywheel mark (there's window below the starter) for 7ｰBTDC and rotate the engine until that mark lines up with the notch in the window. Next make sure that distributor rotor is pointing near the #1 plug wire terminal on the distributor cap. If it's not, loosen the distributor and rotate it til it is. At this point, the engine is at the correct timing position. Now snug the distributor hold down clamp so that you can rotate the distributor with a little drag on it.
Next take the #1 plug wire and put a paper clip or an bent wire into the plug boot. Turn the ignition key to the on position and holding the paperclipped plug wire near a good ground slowly rotate the distributor back and forth until you hear the spark snap. At the point that the spark snaps, you are timed. It may take take you a few tries to home in on the timing point and when you do, tighten the distributor down without moving it. Put the plugs back in remove the paper clip from the #1 wire connct all the wires to the plugs in the 1-3-4-2 firing order( distributor turns CCW) and start 'er up!
Check the running timing at 400 rpm with a timing light and make sure the advance is working by reving the engine and watching the timing advance.

 

[Ken]

If the engine is running, use a timing light.
If you have pulled the distributor and lost the timing here's how I'd do it.
You have to get the #1 cylinder on the compression stroke first. Pull the plugs and crank the engine over, placing your thumb over the #1 spark plug hole til you feel pressure on your thumb. You are now on the compression stroke for #1 cylinder. Rotate the engine til you see the flywheel mark (there's window below the starter) for 7ｰBTDC and rotate the engine until that mark lines up with the notch in the window. Next make sure that distributor rotor is pointing near the #1 plug wire terminal on the distributor cap. If it's not, loosen the distributor and rotate it til it is. At this point, the engine is at the correct timing position. Now snug the distributor hold down clamp so that you can rotate the distributor with a little drag on it.
Next take the #1 plug wire and put a paper clip or an bent wire into the plug boot. Turn the ignition key to the on position and holding the paperclipped plug wire near a good ground slowly rotate the distributor back and forth until you hear the spark snap. At the point that the spark snaps, you are timed. It may take take you a few tries to home in on the timing point and when you do, tighten the distributor down without moving it. Put the plugs back in remove the paper clip from the #1 wire connct all the wires to the plugs in the 1-3-4-2 firing order( distributor turns CCW) and start 'er up!
Check the running timing at 400 rpm with a timing light and make sure the advance is working by reving the engine and watching the timing advance.

Jerry/MT Agree with you on procedure.
I recently rebuilt a Allis WD45 History of hard starting and the cam timing mark was 2 off in block then the mag. was set ahead to make up a proper timing.
had a tough kick back when battery was weak.
Engine now starts fast and runs smooth with timing marks where supposed to be.
The OP hasn't replied what was found . So only time will tell.
Weather on the news says your getting a little early storm about this time,.
ken

 

[Jerry/MT]

Jerry/MT Agree with you on procedure.
I recently rebuilt a Allis WD45 History of hard starting and the cam timing mark was 2 off in block then the mag. was set ahead to make up a proper timing.
had a tough kick back when battery was weak.
Engine now starts fast and runs smooth with timing marks where supposed to be.
The OP hasn't replied what was found . So only time will tell.
Weather on the news says your getting a little early storm about this time,.
ken

Ken,
After a week of dire, model based predictions about the latest frontal system, the only prediction that was correct was that the temps last night would be in the teens. We never got the predicted winds and we got no precip-rain or snow! Today it's clear and sunny.