Ford NAA how to set timing

sfuchs58 · Oct 6, 2022

I have a Ford naa jubalee tractor. I have updated it to a 12volt negative ground electrial system with electronic ignition. I have spark at the spark plugs and fuel.
I am trying to set the ignition timing and it won't start. I have set the flywheel to the 8* tdc mark at the indicator line. The distributor rotor is pointing at #1 plug wire and the plug wires hooked up in a 1,2,4,3 firing order.
Is it possible to get the timing 90* or 180* out of time?
Are two revolutions of the flywheel/crankshaft a complete power and exhaust cycle for the engine? In other words could I be set up in the tdc of the exhaust stroke? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Steve

John0829 · Oct 6, 2022

It is entirely possible to 180* out on the timing, I would set it a 0* on the flywheel then set the distributor to point at the opposite plug, chances are it will start. A good way to find out if you are on the compression stroke is to remove the plug and hold your finger in the hole, when it forces you finger out your on compression. Be sure to fine tune with a light after it starts, if I remember correctly the timing should be set at 4* BTC

Roadworthy · Oct 6, 2022

Sometimes you CAN set the distributor 180 degrees out. While you're tinkering make sure the distributor is turning in the direction you think it should.

sfuchs58 · Oct 9, 2022

Thanks fellows for your replies. You confirmed my suspensions. I started this 12 volt upgrade about five years ago with the idea of making the tractor easier to start and more usefull/dependable. In the process of upgrading it I noticed that the gas tank was leaking gas pretty badly. So I got frustrated with it and felt I was pouring money down a sink hole and just stopped the project. In the meantime we started builing a new house. I did most of the building my self while working 40 hours a week so that was priority for most of three years.
Now that we are in the house I have had to retrace my steps of what all I had done and not done on the tractor upgrade. What a pain.
So yesterday I confirmed the rotation of the distributor, set the flywheel to 0* tdc, moved the plug wires around the distributor cap two holes clockwise, thus 180* and she fired right up.

Again I thank you so much for your input. Now on to the gas tank replacement.

Steve