Distributor timing

L

LarryC1958

Member
Thanks for allowing me to join your group. I have just acquired a 1958 Farmall Cub that had been sitting in a field for awhile. I have spark, fuel and compression but does not run. When checking the timing I hand cranked to determine #1 cylinder at compression and the timing mark was on the pointer. I then checked the distributor rotor location to determine #1 spark plug location. I did this several times and each time the rotor was in stopped in a different location! What am I doing wrong?
 
LarryC1958 said:
Thanks for allowing me to join your group. I have just acquired a 1958 Farmall Cub that had been sitting in a field for awhile. I have spark, fuel and compression but does not run. When checking the timing I hand cranked to determine #1 cylinder at compression and the timing mark was on the pointer. I then checked the distributor rotor location to determine #1 spark plug location. I did this several times and each time the rotor was in stopped in a different location! What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum. If you will send me a Direct Message with an email address I can send you the service manual. Click on the letter S in this post and look for the drop down in the lower left corner that says Send Direct Message. Stan
 
Hi,
Below is a page from a Cub owner's manual telling how to find number 1 cylinder TDC, at paragraph 2 on the page. Use only paragraph 2 on the page. The info is for a magneto, but finding number 1 TDC is the same procedure with a Battery Ignition unit.
Clean around the base of the spark plug before removing it, so dirt doesn't fall into the engine.
https://farmallcub.club/rudi/farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/Cub Owner's Manuals/McCormick Farmall Cub Owner's Manual 1950/Page 32.jpg

After finding number 1 TDC, and setting the distributor rotor at where the number 1 spark plug wire post is, they usually run.
The firing order is 1, 3, 4, 2, going clockwise around the cap, looking ahead from behind it.
The distributor is originally turned so number 1 is at the upper right.
The Cub and LoBoy service manual says to set the timing using a timing light, when the engine is running. :)
 
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My problem is that I have have used the finger in the #1 spark plug hole method several times and each time the distributor rotor stops in a different location. I hand crank until i have compression then line up the pointer to the notch on the pulley but it should be the same every time shouldn't it?
 
Glen said:
Hi,
Below is a page from a Cub owner's manual telling how to find number 1 cylinder TDC, at paragraph 2 on the page. Use only paragraph 2 on the page. The info is for a magneto, but finding number 1 TDC is the same procedure with a Battery Ignition unit.
Clean around the base of the spark plug before removing it, so dirt doesn't fall into the engine.
https://farmallcub.club/rudi/farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/Cub Owner's Manuals/McCormick Farmall Cub Owner's Manual 1950/Page 32.jpg

After finding number 1 TDC, and setting the distributor rotor at where the number 1 spark plug wire post is, they usually run.
The firing order is 1, 3, 4, 2, going clockwise around the cap, looking ahead from behind it.
The distributor is originally turned so number 1 is at the upper right.
The Cub and LoBoy service manual says to set the timing using a timing light, when the engine is running. :)
Click to expand...
My problem is that I have have used the finger in the #1 spark plug hole method several times and each time the distributor rotor stops in a different location. I hand crank until i have compression then line up the pointer to the notch on the pulley but it should be the same every time shouldn't it?
 
Piston comes to top of the cylinder in the compression stroke and the exhaust stroke.
Are you sure you have it on the compression stroke? Both valves will be closed.
 
check the dist drive to make sure its not broke! That will mess things up too. BOTH valves gotta be closed for the comp. stroke. you will also get some compression on the exhaust stroke and finger in hole dont get it, so take the valve cover off and be sure the valves are closed then look at the marks IF you have any.
 
Cjrolke said:
Would it be possible to get a copy? I do not see where I can send you a pm with my email.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum. If you will click on the letter S to the left of this post in the blue circle, a dropdown will appear. Toward the bottom left of this dropdown there is a link that says send direct message. Click on the link and follow the instructions to send me a Direct Message. If you can provide an email address I will return the manual to you via the email to the address you provided. Stan
EDIT: I checked your zip code and see you are in OHIO. Check out the Cubfest calendar for the Barnyard Bash that's near you. That's a good place to learn a lot about Cubs.
 
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Cjrolke said:
When I look at the forum I do not see an option to send a pm
Click to expand...
Put the pointer on the S in Stan's circle above, on the left of the page, or on his name below the circle, and a rectangle should appear. At the bottom of that is Send Direct Message, click that and it will go to the page to send a direct message.
 
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Glen said:
Put the pointer on Stan's S in the circle above, on the left of the page, or on his name below the circle, and a rectangle should appear. At the bottom of that is Send Direct Message, click that and it will go to the page to send a direct message.
Click to expand...
I just looked now and I can see that I can send a direct message... Thank you
 
LarryC1958 said:
Thanks for allowing me to join your group. I have just acquired a 1958 Farmall Cub that had been sitting in a field for awhile. I have spark, fuel and compression but does not run. When checking the timing I hand cranked to determine #1 cylinder at compression and the timing mark was on the pointer. I then checked the distributor rotor location to determine #1 spark plug location. I did this several times and each time the rotor was in stopped in a different location! What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...
First thing, LISTEN to these guys on here. Many have been through a Cub many times. Second, don't take short cuts, buy any tools you need to do the job trouble shooting and repairing properly. Third, read the service manual for the year of your Cub, as Glen provided above. You will save yourself a lot of time and frustration with the proper tools like a timing light and a spark checker for starters. I would be still fiddling with mine if it wasn't for the generous fellas donating there time and wisdom to help me out. Last, BE SAFE, depending on what your are going to work on takes special care and know how with the Cub, example when splitting the Cub to work on the clutch.
 
Research, patience, proper tools, and organization are some key factors here. I use a top dead center indicator when trying to find TDC on #1 (although the one I have is not flexible so doesn't work with the hood on the cub).

The symptom you describe, rotor pointing to different location when #1 reaches TDC, I have run into a couple of times on Ford tractors. Each time was a worn-out distributor.

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There is a gear on the end of the distributor shaft that runs the distributor. A pin holds the distributor gear to the shaft. The pin may have come out, or is broken, letting the shaft turn to different positions. I think someone on here had a problem with that in the past, but I'm not sure.
Below is a page from the Cub parts manual showing the distributor. The gear is number 7 in the picture, it doesn't show the pin, but shows the part number of it at the description for 7.
 
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