TO30 Timing

how do you set the timing on a TO30 Ferguson tractor ?

I did one a few months ago, and best I remember you have to get the dent on the flywheel lined up with the pipe plug hole. Once you get it there piston one should be at top. When you crank it a little further then there should be another mark (about 1/2" or so away) and that should be where you get fire. Pretty simple.

Under the starter is a hole that allows you to see part of the flywheel. I'm assuming you don't have a timing light. #1 cylinder is nearest the radiator. Pull its spark plug out and put your thumb over the spark plug hole . Have someone crank the starter til you feel pressure on your thumb. You are now on the compression stroke. Tap the starter til you see the timing marks in the flywheel port. Set the timing to 6 oBTDC on the flywheel by taping the starter or rotatnting the ngine with a socket on the crankshaft pulley. The rotor should be pointing near the #1 distributor terminal in the cap.

Put a bent wire or a paper clip into the spark plug boot so it contacts the spark plug clip. Loosen the distributor so you can turn it.
Turn on the key. Rotate the distributor in small increments back and forth as you hold the the spark plug boot wire near a good ground. As you rotate the distributor you will hear the spark snap. At that point you are statically timed at 6 oBTDC. You may have to do it several times to get the right spot but when you feel you have it. tighten down the distributor WITHOUT MOVING IT. Now start the tractor.

You should check it with a timing light and also check that the advance is working by reving the engine and watching the spark timing advance.