IH distributor without advance mechanism

karl f · Jul 23, 2011

one of our super Cs has a distributor with a solid shaft for the rotor and there is zero play unlike other distributors on the farm. Static timing turns out to be a moot point, as you have to advance the timing so it runs at all at full rpm. I have not removed the point plate to investigate but I'm pretty sure I won't find an advance mechanism.
I was thinking the distributor may have been sourced from a diesel. What other applications could used a fixed timing distributor?
We bought it from a tractor trader a few years ago and with an evidently replaced engine block--no serial number and a dipstick--among many other odd parts and repairs, it's definitely a mystery tractor.
second thoughts about crank starting this one,
karl f

Jim Becker · Jul 23, 2011

Even the Diesels had an advance mechanism. It was limited to (as I recall) 8 degrees. Since it rotates the other way, it also advances the other direction. If that is what you have, you should find the disk on the shaft is stamped 8R.

pete 23 · Jul 23, 2011

The very last diesels did go to a solid shaft and eliminated the 8 degree advance the batt ign had previously. They did not run on gas as well as the one that had an advance. Yours could be rusted solid,I have seen that but a 30 degree advance would be what you need unless you have seriously modified the compression with high dome pistons.

D Slater · Jul 23, 2011

Some of the gas start diesels had a solid shaft in the distributor. On the OD of the distributor base where its turned to change timing should be letter or letters and numbers. If I recall correct the solid shaft ones started with the letter C at the code location.
Have heard some say they put a diesel distributor on a gas by mistake and they ran, but poorly.

D Slater · Jul 23, 2011

Pete didn't see you had posted when I started mine.

karl f · Jul 23, 2011

I had considered rusted solid myself, but it lacks the hole and felt for lubrication like all the other distributors we have. I'll have to check out the flange and internals when I have time.
thanks for the advice!

karl f

pete 23 · Jul 23, 2011

I just figured I was faster at typing. Hey, that is one thing I do really use from school that I always enjoyed but did not think I would ever use.

Janicholson · Jul 23, 2011

Your analysis is correct. i believe it deserves an advance mechanism, either working from being fixed if rusted, or replaced with a servicable shaft or distributor. The starter will probably not crank it against an advanced setting, and if set in that compromised position, it will make poor power, and probably try to over heat as well. Jim

IH distributor without advance mechanism

karl f

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Jim Becker

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pete 23

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D Slater

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D Slater

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karl f

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pete 23

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Janicholson

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