Timing 1953 cub

[Weakind farmer]

I'm trying to get the proper timing on my 53 cub with distributor only. Question I know the firing order is 1342 with the 1 cylinder nearest the radiator is #1 does this make the 2nd cylinder from the radiator number 3 and so on?

[MiCarl]

No, numbered front to back. 1 at radiator then 2, 3 and 4 is the one closest to the operator.

[tst]

#1 cylinder on most engines is the cylinder closest to the crank pulley

[Weakind farmer]

So on the cap the nearest to the radiator is #1 then the next on the cap is the third from the radiator, then the fourth and the last is the second?

[Glen]

Hi,
Welcome to the website.

Yes to your post above.

Below is a page from the 1955 Cub operator's manual, showing the spark plug cable wiring for a Battery Ignition unit, in the lower pic on the page.

Looking ahead at the distributor cap, number 1 is the upper right connection, if the distributor is turned to the original position, like in the pic.

http://farmallcub.com/rudi_cub/www.clea ... age-31.jpg

The page also tells about lubricating the Battery Ignition unit. You would need to buy a grease fitting with the size threads that fit it, if it has the plugs still in it.
It usually takes a large screwdriver to remove the plugs.
They have recommended on here putting the plugs in again when done greasing it.

[Weakind farmer]

Thanks! To all who helped I've got to switch the wires on my cap. I'll let you know if she fires. This used to be my grandmother's tractor.

[Barnyard]

[Glen]

Hi,
The small post on the side of the distributor, for the wire to the coil, originally points straight to the right, like in the pic in the link I posted above.

Sometimes people change the distributor position, so the wires are connected in different holes on the cap than it shows in the manual.
If the engine was running right before, connect the wires in the same holes on the cap as they were before.

The timing should be set using a timing light, as part of a tune up.
The timing mark is shown in the manual pic I posted above.