Author	[Modern View]
Janicholson 03-06-2013 15:01:16 74.60.94.18 Report to Moderator	The use of a test light to set the spark timing is as follows. With the ignition on, and the test light hooked to the coil connection to the distributor, turn the distributor in the direction from rotor rotation till the light goes off (points close). Now turn it opposite rotor rotation until the light just sputters between on and off. Lock it down, and turn off the ignition. Don"t leave it on more than a couple of minutes! If it is on compression TDC, the rotor is now pointing to #1 Plug (front of engine) Jim [Reply]   [No Email]
RLO 03-06-2013 16:58:05 50.33.204.141 Report to Moderator	Re: 404 timing better but no start. in reply to Janicholson, 03-06-2013 15:01:16   I see there is a lot of movement in the rotor. It has almost 3/16" slop & you can move it back & forth real easy. The gear looked okay. I think its the piece the rotor attaches to ... the cam? Is there a rebuild kit? Thanks. [Reply]  [No Email]
RLO 03-06-2013 17:23:43 50.33.204.141 Report to Moderator	Re: 404 timing better but no start. in reply to RLO, 03-06-2013 16:58:05   It does not snap back it's slop something is worn. I've read everything over and over & followed it. Believe me I appreciate it. I do have the shop manual, parts manual, and operators manual. Thanks for your time. [Reply]  [No Email]
kevinj54 03-07-2013 04:44:18 99.39.189.166 Report to Moderator	Re: 404 timing better but no start. in reply to RLO, 03-06-2013 17:23:43   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Tear it down and inspect as Jim said, while you are in there make sure the shaft and bearing is in good condition. [Reply]  [No Email]
Janicholson 03-06-2013 18:38:16 74.60.94.18 Report to Moderator	Re: 404 timing better but no start. in reply to RLO, 03-06-2013 17:23:43   There is a centrifugal governor in the distributor. It has weights and springs that advance the timing as the engine RPM increases. The rotor should move through a 20 to 30 degree arc. But the springs must pull it back. Take the points out, then the backing plate. The springs and weights will now be visible. I bet the springs are toast, or the shaft is way sticky on the input shaft. Jim [Reply]  [No Email]
kevinj54 03-06-2013 17:01:53 50.105.84.118 Report to Moderator	Re: 404 timing better but no start. in reply to RLO, 03-06-2013 16:58:05   You are moving the advance unit. It should snap back when you let go. (NORMAL). Go back and read what these guys have told you, follow it, and it will be timed correctly. You may want to buy a manual for your tractor also. [Reply]  [No Email]