Distributor setting

BikerMike

Active member
Here is a dumb question, but I need the answer... How do you lock down the distributor after you get it timed?
My new Cub just doesn't want to start and, so, I set up to static time it. As I was popping the distributor cap off the distributor moved... now I know why it is hard to start. Where is the distributor lock down nut? Is it the two mounting nuts? Or is the some hidden set screw?
 
There's 2 studs with half moon shaped clamps that fit over the dist body outside rim where it makes contact with the block, one's on the outside at about 3 o'clock and the other on the backside at about 9 o'clock (you can't see it) that you have to feel for it. Best I recall it takes a 1/2 inch box end wrench, if it's curved the better. When you get the timing right (preferably with a timing light) lock 'er down. JMHO Stan
 
There's 2 studs with half moon shaped clamps that fit over the dist body outside rim where it makes contact with the block, one's on the outside at about 3 o'clock and the other on the backside at about 9 o'clock (you can't see it) that you have to feel for it. Best I recall it takes a 1/2 inch box end wrench, if it's curved the better. When you get the timing right (preferably with a timing light) lock 'er down. JMHO Stan
Yeah, I figured it out. Mine is a little different. The two mounting bolts that mount the distributor, tighten the distributor. They were loose. Tomorrow's chore. Thanks for the feedback.
 
Yeah, I figured it out. Mine is a little different. The two mounting bolts that mount the distributor, tighten the distributor. They were loose. Tomorrow's chore. Thanks for the feedback.
Is yours a battery ignition or magneto? There's a little difference. Don't be surprised if you find the one on the back missing. It's hard to get to and sometimes just gets left out. Stan
 

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A good investment to have is a timing light and tachometer. They make timing lights now that have a built in tacometer. That lets you set the timing and RPM of the engine precisely to factory specs. Also a spark tester comes in really handy as well as a compression tester. I tried to do without this stuff when I first got my cub but after talking to these guys on here I broke down and went and got everything I needed. That sure made the job a lot easier and took all the guess work out of the equation. After you get it running I would do a full service on the cub. Congratulations on the new cub and welcome to the forum.
 
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