Timing a DC with a distributor

Find TDC compression stroke on any cylinder. Aim the rotor at that spark plug wire. Time it by ear when it is running.
 
(quoted from post at 23:39:33 10/14/16) I'm interested in your methods of timing the engine of a DC. Also is the advance set at 25 degrees?

You may not want to go to the work I do but I put timing pointers on all DC engines I build. Find the tdc mark on the flywheel and fabricate a pointer and put a chisel mark on the front pulley and put a dab of white paint on it. The main advantage is to be able to do running timing using a timing lite with a built in advance function, I would not be afraid of 25 deg running. As a side note, you would be surprised how stable timing is with an electronic ignition module compared to points. I will try to get a picture of my timing pointer and add it to this thread.

Mel
 
My 1930 Model L is timed by ear....and the only way to start is by crank. You have to use some common sense and not advance it too far. All the early tractors had a manual spark advance lever connected to the magneto....once running they were basically timed by ear.
 
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(quoted from post at 23:39:33 10/14/16) I'm interested in your methods of timing the engine of a DC. Also is the advance set at 25 degrees?
PJ,
I put a 3/8 slot about 3/4 in long on one end of the bracket, there are 2 bolts roughly in line with the crank, one down by the seal plate, I loosen and slide the slotted end down over the loosened bolt, Mark where the top bolt will line up, mark where your pointer will come to the edge of the pulley and weld it on. The bottom bolt is better to tighten from underneath with the pointer.
If you do this and want me to talk you through the procedure to do accurate running timing, I'll be glad to help.
 
I keep advancing the time until it tends to kickback during startup. Then retard the timing just a tic.

The Delco distributor (41111) had good centrifugal advance built in. If your DC has aluminum pistons, increase the rated speed to 1400. It will purr all day for years. My younger brother had a DC with 4" aluminum and did that--maybe 1500. Never an engine problem.
 

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