Ford 841 Timing problem

WI Rick · Jun 24, 2017

I have a ?59 841 ford with a timing problem. After adjusting the timing, within just 15 minutes of use (been mowing on rough ground) the timing is off again. Even while adjusting the timing, I can see the paint on 4 deg tdc jump up and down, like the timing is changing, after I have the distributor tightened down again. After 15 minutes work, timing is off a a lot, misfiring, but mounting bolts on the distributor aren?t loose at all. There?s a little play in the distributor shaft, and rotor moves a tiny bit on the shaft, but doesn?t seem to bad. Any suggestions on what I need to do to keep the timing right? I adjusted the points, replaced the rotor and dust cover. Also, the screws holes on distributor plate for holding points in place had been stripped a bit, i inadvertently installed screws a bit to long and gouged top of centrifugal advance weights. Can't find new ones, Any suggestions (I tapped holes next size bigger, and installed proper length screws now.)
Thanks

Steve@Advance · Jun 24, 2017

Look the roll pin over that holds the gear on the shaft. There may be another one holding the weight mechanism to the shaft.

When the too long screw hit the weights, it may have sheared the roll pin and is letting the gear or cam slip on the shaft.

Also be sure the centrifugal weights are free, and the springs return them fully.

And the play in the shaft bushing will have an effect on the timing. If the point gap is constantly changing, the timing will also fluctuate.

An electronic conversion kit will help with the worn shaft bushing, they don't mind a little side play.

WI Rick · Jun 27, 2017

Thanks! I'll check out the roll pin, and look a little closer and since if I screwed up anything else with the weights. But, I might just go to electronic ignition. $100 to avoid screwing around with that distributor sounds like might be worth it. And then I?ll adjust the valve lash, and worry about running hot when I see what correcting the timing does.

JMOR · Jun 27, 2017

(quoted from post at 08:03:10 06/27/17) Thanks! I'll check out the roll pin, and look a little closer and since if I screwed up anything else with the weights. But, I might just go to electronic ignition. $100 to avoid screwing around with that distributor sounds like might be worth it. And then I?ll adjust the valve lash, and worry about running hot when I see what correcting the timing does.

I is just a module that replaces points, it uses your distributor.

Ford 841 Timing problem

WI Rick

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Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

WI Rick

New User

JMOR

Well-known Member

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