Distributor adjustment on TO-20 w Petronix

The spinning Bendix on the starter which did not engage the flywheel has been fixed. I removed the starter, turned the Bendix and heard a little 'click". Then I tested the starter with jumper cables from the 6 volt TO-20 battery. All appeared normal. The ring gear on the flywheel seemed in the right location. I replaced the starter and all sounded normal; strong cranking...BUT the tractor would not start. I had to remove the distributor to tip the starter out and I think I replaced it wrong, even though I marked where I thought it should go.

I am challenged with fixing the timing and also do have a Petronix electronic ignition. Is there a simple way to adjust the distributor correctly? I do have a mechanic who can help, but would rather try to make the repair without paying anyone.

Thanks for any help.

It's not difficult to get the timing right.

Just pull the #1 plug. Hand turn the engine while holding your finger over the plug hole. Turn it clockwise until you feel compression blowing against you finger. You may need an assistant, but it can be done one handed!

Carefully continue turning until the piston is all the way up. You can reach a piece of wire in through the plug hole and feel the position of the piston, or there is a timing mark under the starter. Just get the piston near top, doesn't have to be exact. Preferably you want to stop about 5* before TDC.

Look at the distributor cap, note which terminal is #1. Mark the location on the distributor housing with a sharpie. Pull the distributor up enough to disengage the gear, point the rotor at #1 terminal mark. Note the spiral on the gear will turn the shaft slightly as the distributor goes in, compensate accordingly.

Turn the ignition switch on. Position the #1 plug wire so you can see it spark to ground. Since the rotor turns CCW on that model, rotate the distributor housing CCW until the rotor is a few degrees past the #1 terminal. Then rotate the housing CW until the wire sparks, and stop turning. You can do this as many times as you need until you feel comfortable that the distributor is in position. Being electronic, you will need to turn it somewhat quickly to get a spark.

Once you feel it is in the right position, snug the hold down clamp, put the plug back in, everything back together. See if it will start. If it doesn't, slightly move the distributor until it does, then do the final timing, preferably with a light, or time it by ear.

Too fast and it will kick against the starter, clatter under load. Too slow it will lack power, backfire through the carb.

Hope this helps.