I Need To Know How To Time Ferguson TO-20

[FergusonFix]

you can take out a distribuitor and insert it so that any coil tower CAN be #1, as long as that coil tower has the rotor pointing to it on the com stroke

so looking at pics of others may not be helping you!

Yes, I think trying to make my tractor's dist. orientation match those I've seen have been a problem for me more so than the timing issue at hand. That's me for you! I'm a real copy cat type of learner. Monkey see, monkey do(do)! Live and learn. As soon as I get another crack at the tractor I'll be checking where the rotor is and set my #1 wire/plug to it. Updates to come later. Thanks again!

 

[FergusonFix]

also, any TO model is/was a 6v system. Someone converted yours.

Yes sir, I believe someone before us changed it to 12v system. Recently put a new 6/12volt starter but having problem with bolts on the rear end of it are backing out when starter is engaged. Any reason for it? Can thread locker fix it or is there a greater problem causing the bolts to get loose?

 

[Jerry/MT]

You need to make sure the #1 cylinder is on the compression stroke. Pull the plug on #1 and hold your thumb over the plug hole as you tap the starter. When you feel pressure on your thumb, you are on the compression stroke. Now turn the engine until you see 7ｰBTDC lined up with the notch in the timing window. The rotor should be pointing at the #1 plug wire position in the distributor cap. Next loosen the distributor slightly so you can rotate it. Stick a paper clip in the #! spark plug boot and hold it near a good ground. Rotate the distributor very slightly back and forth until you hear the spark snap. At that point your are statically timed. When you think you have it right tighten down the distributor.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Yes sir, I believe someone before us changed it to 12v system. Recently put a new 6/12volt starter but having problem with bolts on the rear end of it are backing out when starter is engaged. Any reason for it? Can thread locker fix it or is there a greater problem causing the bolts to get loose?

Got lock washers on them ? ...should be.

 

[skyhook]

The piston ( after you take the plug out) on the no.1 cylinder should be coming "up" for it to be on compression stroke. If you turn the engine by hand with a screwdriver in the cylinder,
it should be coming up and out of the cylinder, this is the compression stroke.
Just thought I'd add that in case you couldn't get your finger over the plug hole.

 

[Soundguy]

if he can't get his finger to the plug hole.. he'll have a hard time with a screwdriver!

my feeler of choice for that work is a piece of 10-2 or 12-2 bared copper wire.. can't scratch cyl walls and is real soft if it gets somewhere it shouldn't