Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Is distributor off 1 tooth?
I recently bought a 66 f100 with a 352. The ignition points have been replaced with petronix electronics. The truck has been hard to start every since I brought it home. Carb is new rebuild and not the problem. I have not checked ignition timing yet, but once truck is started. It runs pretty good with no lag or pinging.
Even with a new, or the old, cap and rotor, I have a very strong spark from the coil wire while cranking, but a very weak spark from the new plug wire. Upon inspecting the old distributor cap and rotor, burn pattern inside the cap indicates that the coil is not firing until the rotor has already just passed the corresponding plug wire terminal. It appears that the spark then tries to jump back to that terminal, leaving a burn pattern in its path.
I am wondering if the distributor gear could be off one tooth, and the distributor must then be turned past its normal range to get the engine in time.
Is this distributor gear designed so it is possible to be off one tooth?
Even with a new, or the old, cap and rotor, I have a very strong spark from the coil wire while cranking, but a very weak spark from the new plug wire. Upon inspecting the old distributor cap and rotor, burn pattern inside the cap indicates that the coil is not firing until the rotor has already just passed the corresponding plug wire terminal. It appears that the spark then tries to jump back to that terminal, leaving a burn pattern in its path.
I am wondering if the distributor gear could be off one tooth, and the distributor must then be turned past its normal range to get the engine in time.
Is this distributor gear designed so it is possible to be off one tooth?
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
If it was off 1 tooth , it would change your timing ,just like turning your
Distributor several degrees
If it runs good after starting, my guess is your timing is close
Full Voltage to coil while cranking is important, for easy starting
Distributor several degrees
If it runs good after starting, my guess is your timing is close
Full Voltage to coil while cranking is important, for easy starting
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[b]'' I think what scares me the most about you guys is that I understand you '' ..... KID
'' lookin good, a little paint adds at least 100hp!'' ....... COOTER
'' well an old guy can dream cant he? ''............ICEMAN
''I would donate organs before selling my slick''........ HOOFBEAT RACER
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[b]'' I think what scares me the most about you guys is that I understand you '' ..... KID
'' lookin good, a little paint adds at least 100hp!'' ....... COOTER
'' well an old guy can dream cant he? ''............ICEMAN
''I would donate organs before selling my slick''........ HOOFBEAT RACER
- bobenhotep
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Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Make sure you have full voltage at startup (unless pertronix does not work that way)
check the ignition timing
What do the spark plugs look like? If they are worn it will be hard to start when it is cold and damp outside.
check the ignition timing
What do the spark plugs look like? If they are worn it will be hard to start when it is cold and damp outside.
For every person with a spark of genius, there are a hundred with ignition trouble
My '63 short wrongbed
"The Iron Rhino"
300 I6, 3 spd manual, DS II/ HEI ignition.
Stuff I added to Hints and tricks
-300-6 choke tube repair
-duraspark II/ HEI
-Horn ring contact tube repair
-turn signal indicator fix
Mikhail Kalashnikov and Nikola Tesla are the guys i think of when i build things.
My '63 short wrongbed
"The Iron Rhino"
300 I6, 3 spd manual, DS II/ HEI ignition.
Stuff I added to Hints and tricks
-300-6 choke tube repair
-duraspark II/ HEI
-Horn ring contact tube repair
-turn signal indicator fix
Mikhail Kalashnikov and Nikola Tesla are the guys i think of when i build things.
- skidoorulz
- Posts: 359
- Joined: April 11, 2013, 9:02 pm
- Location: Billings MT
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Check your timing before you do anything else. I put a Pertronix in mine and it changed the timing 16 degrees. Must have something to do with the pickup in the electronic set up being in a slightly different location than the thing that opens and closes the points.
- skidoorulz
- Posts: 359
- Joined: April 11, 2013, 9:02 pm
- Location: Billings MT
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Oh and it started hard when it was warm. Adjusted the timing and it runs better than ever
- 6166 Junkyard Dog
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Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
HERE I the way I have done any FE Motor,, take # 1 plug out, let it pop with finger in the hole so its top then get your timing mark up on TDC, when this is done the rotor has to be pointing toward # 7/8 spark plug then stick dist back in,, when motor is running the vacuum advance should have plenty of room to adjust so it does not hit thermostat housing to keep it running,, if its up against the housing then its tooth off and will cause engine to run hotter than normal
Tom,
@
Lazy FORD Ranch
Where Ford Trucks Rest in Peace
Dakota,,, RIP will never be the same looking for 61-66 trucks again ,, Kathy
Slickstock,,, York, PA
Slickstock,,, Kansas City, MO
Slickstock,,, Altoona, IOWA
Slickstock,,, Salina, KS
Now Cooper will try his best
Cooper now has 2018 Slick Stock,, give him a fair star
Slickstock Kansas City, Mo
@
Lazy FORD Ranch
Where Ford Trucks Rest in Peace
Dakota,,, RIP will never be the same looking for 61-66 trucks again ,, Kathy
Slickstock,,, York, PA
Slickstock,,, Kansas City, MO
Slickstock,,, Altoona, IOWA
Slickstock,,, Salina, KS
Now Cooper will try his best
Cooper now has 2018 Slick Stock,, give him a fair star
Slickstock Kansas City, Mo
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
It is not unusual to have that situation with an electronic pickup. MSD makes adjustable rotors for some applications to "synch" this, but it takes some doing. Modifying the cap location also is doable; changing to the later model two-piece cap and "trimming" both locator tabs on the caps may allow for enough adjustment for an improvement. After setting the timing to factory spec, or slightly advanced beyond that, you can use your old cap with a hole drilled just inboard of #1 terminal for a reference. simply hook you timing light up as normal and aim at the hole. the strobe should allow you to determine just where the rotor is when firing.
If you have the original Pertronix (I), it is designed to operate at the reduced voltage provided by the factory resistor wire, but still needs full available battery voltage from the bypass wire to coil during starting. Pertronix II is designed for full available battery voltage at all times, so should have the original resistor wire replaced by a full voltage wire from the ignition switch.
Paul
If you have the original Pertronix (I), it is designed to operate at the reduced voltage provided by the factory resistor wire, but still needs full available battery voltage from the bypass wire to coil during starting. Pertronix II is designed for full available battery voltage at all times, so should have the original resistor wire replaced by a full voltage wire from the ignition switch.
Paul
The Ford Orphanage
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Thanks, all---- I'm just going to go "old school" for the time being and go back to a set of points and condenser. That way, I will know where the rotor is when the points start to open! I may put the Pertronix back in later.
Also-- What is the idle speed and degree advance to set the timing on this engine? (I purchased a "1966 FORD TRUCK Shop Manual" on computer disc, and so far it has been pretty much useless for finding such basic information.)
Toyz -- Great trick drilling the old cap to see where the rotor actually is when the plug fires!
Also-- What is the idle speed and degree advance to set the timing on this engine? (I purchased a "1966 FORD TRUCK Shop Manual" on computer disc, and so far it has been pretty much useless for finding such basic information.)
Toyz -- Great trick drilling the old cap to see where the rotor actually is when the plug fires!
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Curb idle with the manual is 675 rpm (C6TF-R dist), automatic in gear is 475 (C6TF-C dist). Base timing is 6 degrees btdc, but the book allows 5 degrees either direction (as applicable). I suspect the majority of running on good fuel will end up at about 10-12 btdc base, allowing 34/38 degrees total.
I wouldn't toss the Pertronix, personally; I suspect getting full voltage (if required) and tweaking the timing will probably lessen the starting issue considerably. It certainly wouldn't hurt to see it performs with the standard setup, however.
I, too, dislike the disc manuals; thought it might be a generational thing
Paul
I wouldn't toss the Pertronix, personally; I suspect getting full voltage (if required) and tweaking the timing will probably lessen the starting issue considerably. It certainly wouldn't hurt to see it performs with the standard setup, however.
I, too, dislike the disc manuals; thought it might be a generational thing
Paul
The Ford Orphanage
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Why is everyone so reluctant to put a timing light on an engine? You see it time after time. Don't start ripping parts out, just learn to tune it.
SPark
SPark
1932 Ford 5 window coupe. 302/C4
1962 8V-390/C6 Unibody Short Bed Soon to be Big Window - The Lincoln that never was
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More toys, I need more toys!!!
1962 8V-390/C6 Unibody Short Bed Soon to be Big Window - The Lincoln that never was
2013 F150 Super Crew Eco Boost 4x4
2015 Ford Edge for the little lady, because she said so!
2007 Mustang GT, 4.6-3V/5 Speed. Only 8680 miles on the clock.
More toys, I need more toys!!!
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
^^^^ I agree
I should have said to check the timing
A timing light is a good tool to have
I should have said to check the timing
A timing light is a good tool to have
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.
.
[b]'' I think what scares me the most about you guys is that I understand you '' ..... KID
'' lookin good, a little paint adds at least 100hp!'' ....... COOTER
'' well an old guy can dream cant he? ''............ICEMAN
''I would donate organs before selling my slick''........ HOOFBEAT RACER
.
.
[b]'' I think what scares me the most about you guys is that I understand you '' ..... KID
'' lookin good, a little paint adds at least 100hp!'' ....... COOTER
'' well an old guy can dream cant he? ''............ICEMAN
''I would donate organs before selling my slick''........ HOOFBEAT RACER
- skidoorulz
- Posts: 359
- Joined: April 11, 2013, 9:02 pm
- Location: Billings MT
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Don't put the points back in, time it. Simple as that. As I said
Another Possibility
If your running the original C4 ballancer with intergrated single belt groove its possible the ballancer has spun 350° +/- placing the timing marks too fast. I would find TDC with a piston stop first then follow above advice.
Chris
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
As Steve and Pat stated, we are probably suggesting over-correction for normal states of affairs. The lack of alignment between rotor and terminal is probably of little concern, other than indicating the need to replace that cap and rotor. The Pertronix WILL change the timing, as will any point adjustment or replacement. I've never seen 16 degrees change; if I did with the correct Pertronix, it would go back to the WD, since that is likely to put the rotor waaaaay out of synch. Resistance type secondary winding will reduce the spark intensity at the plug, so that also may not be a concern.
Check for correct voltage at the primary wire going to the coil, both in start and run positions, and remember this needs to be done with the - side of coil grounded to read correctly. If you have correct voltage, go ahead and set the timing. That procedure is apt to fix your problems with no further effort.
If it doesn't fix the problem, call back!; we certainly can cover all possibilities!
Paul
Check for correct voltage at the primary wire going to the coil, both in start and run positions, and remember this needs to be done with the - side of coil grounded to read correctly. If you have correct voltage, go ahead and set the timing. That procedure is apt to fix your problems with no further effort.
If it doesn't fix the problem, call back!; we certainly can cover all possibilities!
Paul
The Ford Orphanage
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
End of story! -- Took out the Petronix, put in a new set of points and condenser. set idle timing at 8 degrees BTDC. Now I can reach thru window, bump the key, engine is purring.
I think Skid and LM14 missed my point.--- When engine timing was set correctly, the rotor was so far past the corresponding contact in the distributor cap, it was only able to send a very weak spark to the plug.
I know a lot of people love the electronic spark controllers. I think whoever installed this Petronix system before I owned the truck, may have installed the wrong unit. I sent a question with part numbers to Petronix asking if this was the correct unit for this engine, but have not yet received a reply. Since I will probably drive this truck less than a thousand miles a year, the points will probably stay. I also have a 65 Falcon daily driver, a 47 Willys CJ2A, an 5 tractors from 1926 to 1960. I think that keeping these old vehicles running in their stock form is half the fun!!! Thanks everyone!!
I think Skid and LM14 missed my point.--- When engine timing was set correctly, the rotor was so far past the corresponding contact in the distributor cap, it was only able to send a very weak spark to the plug.
I know a lot of people love the electronic spark controllers. I think whoever installed this Petronix system before I owned the truck, may have installed the wrong unit. I sent a question with part numbers to Petronix asking if this was the correct unit for this engine, but have not yet received a reply. Since I will probably drive this truck less than a thousand miles a year, the points will probably stay. I also have a 65 Falcon daily driver, a 47 Willys CJ2A, an 5 tractors from 1926 to 1960. I think that keeping these old vehicles running in their stock form is half the fun!!! Thanks everyone!!
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Not quite end of story; If this was a Pertronix I, then probably nothing has been changed; if a Pertronix II, it SHOULD have been converted to full voltage bypassing the original resistor wire. If that is the case, it will quickly burn up the points without the resistor. Also, even though you seem satisfied with the current performance; dwell should be set as that can make a big difference in overall performance and economy.
Crawling down carefully from soapbox!
Paul
Crawling down carefully from soapbox!
Paul
The Ford Orphanage
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Toyz -- I'm pretty sure it was a Pertronix I, The truck still has the resistance wire from ignition switch. Voltage at the coil with the engine running is around 7 volts. Voltage during cranking is closer to 12.
Your comment about quickly burning up points brings up and old question. On several of the old tractors I have owned, I have swapped 6 volt generators for 12 volt alternators so I could run more lights, and brighter lights, plus have more kick for starting in bad weather. In recent years, I buy a modern "12" volt coil and still must run a resistor to avoid burning points. If my fading memory serves me, many years ago, I could buy a 12 volt coil that was designed to run without a resistor, on 12 volts, full time, and not cook the points. It seems I remember when automakers were first switching to 12 volts in the fifties, there were some cars and/or trucks that used a straight full-time 12 ignition system. Am I imagining this??
Your comment about quickly burning up points brings up and old question. On several of the old tractors I have owned, I have swapped 6 volt generators for 12 volt alternators so I could run more lights, and brighter lights, plus have more kick for starting in bad weather. In recent years, I buy a modern "12" volt coil and still must run a resistor to avoid burning points. If my fading memory serves me, many years ago, I could buy a 12 volt coil that was designed to run without a resistor, on 12 volts, full time, and not cook the points. It seems I remember when automakers were first switching to 12 volts in the fifties, there were some cars and/or trucks that used a straight full-time 12 ignition system. Am I imagining this??
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
I think you could buy a coil with an internal resistor,dont know if there still available. Maybe toyz or someone here knows for sure.
Last edited by Lowell on February 9, 2015, 11:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
- 6166 Junkyard Dog
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Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
WE still run points in our Mercury,, I put a new set in for slick stock in Kansas,, then last year for Iowa I put another set in,, I do not use a feeler gauge I set by eye and timing light ,, I have a new Snap On Timing Light someplace I bought 30+years ago never used since I was taught to set points by eye, set timing by ear and carb mixture by hand on valve covers,, just like on any of the Fords getting the tooth right on the dist. if not different problems can occur
Tom,
@
Lazy FORD Ranch
Where Ford Trucks Rest in Peace
Dakota,,, RIP will never be the same looking for 61-66 trucks again ,, Kathy
Slickstock,,, York, PA
Slickstock,,, Kansas City, MO
Slickstock,,, Altoona, IOWA
Slickstock,,, Salina, KS
Now Cooper will try his best
Cooper now has 2018 Slick Stock,, give him a fair star
Slickstock Kansas City, Mo
@
Lazy FORD Ranch
Where Ford Trucks Rest in Peace
Dakota,,, RIP will never be the same looking for 61-66 trucks again ,, Kathy
Slickstock,,, York, PA
Slickstock,,, Kansas City, MO
Slickstock,,, Altoona, IOWA
Slickstock,,, Salina, KS
Now Cooper will try his best
Cooper now has 2018 Slick Stock,, give him a fair star
Slickstock Kansas City, Mo
Re: Is distributor off 1 tooth?
Darn, Tom, guess I'll throw away my distributor machine I've always been a "seat of the pants" mechanic, but it is amazing the difference in outright performance; and point gap, by setting the dwell into spec, correcting the advance curves on both centrifugal and vacuum, and bumping the timing up to that same point you are obviously approaching. The old time "scope" is a good tool in seeing just what is going on with the dwell, cylinder by cylinder.
Paul
Paul
The Ford Orphanage
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul
Life's too short for boring vehicles!
My quest to develop a universal solvent is held up by the lack of a storage container.
Paul