timing on super h

i have had big issues with my distributor. I made
a terrible mistake, pulled the distributor without
marking the housing and now have to time from
scratch. I have a basic understanding and thought
I could get close enough, taking #1 to tdc and
then lining up the rotor with the number 1 tower
and wire. I'm not getting close enough cause I
can't get her to fire. I do have good spark at all
four wires, just fear not sparking at the right
time.Does anyone have a video or very specific
step by step instruction for setting the timing,
getting the distributor in the right spot and so
forth? Thanks in advance, Chuck

Make sure when you have the piston at TDC it is on the compression stroke.

With the distributor wire at the 3:00 O'clock position line up the rotor with the number 1 terminal on the cap and install it in the adapter housing. Rotate the distributor CW until the wire is at the 5 O'clock position. While watching the ignition points slowly rotate the distributor CCW until the points just start to open. That is when the spark will occur. You can be even more accurate if you have the wire connected and watch for the spark. You an also do it with a test light. With the ignition switch on and the test light light connected to the distributor terminal watch for the light to come on as you rotate the distributor. The spark will occur with the test light comes on.

Battery (distributor) ignition timing for H & M:

With the distributor removed, replace the cap and mark (on the metal housing) where #1 plug wire hole is located. Remove cap and rotate rotor CW (looking at rotor) until resistance is felt when nearing #1 position. Slide the distributor in place with the #1 mark about the 2:00 o'clock position. Snug the 2 hold down clamps just enough so the distributor can be rotated.

Timing should be set so the points open (set the gap first, .016" for battery ignition) when the timing pointer is between the double marks on the pulley; use the crank or turn the fan by hand (switch off) to locate the marks.

Using a self-powered test light attached where the point wire enters the distributor body and the probe end grounded, turn on ignition switch and rotate the body of the distributor in the direction of normal rotor travel (clockwise) until the points are closed (test light is off). Now rotate the distributor body counter-clockwise until the points JUST open (light goes on); lock the cap screws and you are good to go.
It is CRITICAL for the points to be CLEAN and ADJUSTED first.
Using a 12 volt test light (if your system is 6 volt, the light will be dimmer) the light is off with points closed and on when the points open.

If you use a low reading ohmmeter instead of a test light, do not turn on the ignition switch.

Needless to say, points, rotor, cap, & wires have to be in decent shape.
Make sure the timing is set correctly. Late timing (too small of a gap or incorrect setting) will act like too rich carburetor problems.
Static timing the distributor so the light just goes out or ohmmeter indicates infinity will do the job without the need for a fancy timing light.

E-mail me if you have questions.

Battery ignition point setting is .020"
Magneto point setting is .013"

You are on the rite track. Are you sure #1is on compression. Leave the cap off and plug out so when #1 hits compression you can see where the rotor is pointed you mite be 180 deg out.

thanks Wayne, this is very descriptive and thank you. I'm imagining that, even before I follow your instructions in your first paragraph, I should have number 1 at tdc, which would have me on the pully mark to start, yes? sorry for the dumb question. thanks

(quoted from post at 12:27:43 11/30/14) thanks Wayne, this is very descriptive and thank you. I'm imagining that, even before I follow your instructions in your first paragraph, I should have number 1 at tdc, which would have me on the pully mark to start, yes? sorry for the dumb question. thanks

Click to expand...

Yes, but keep in mind the mark will show 180 off as well as on the money. If you take all the plugs out and keep one thumb in number 1 hole while you turn the crank over with the other hand you can feel the pressure coming to top dead center.

Another way to get No1 piston to tdc on the compression stroke after removing the sparkplug.
Hold a finger over plug while a helper slowly cranks the engine by hand until you feel pressure
against your finger. Then drop a long plastic
straw on top of the piston. Then you watch the straw rise while your helper slowly cranks the engine. When the straw quits rising your piston
is at TDC. Then rotate the rotor so its about
2 o'clock and install the distributor. Hal