Timing

I?ve noticed several times in the forums where it was suggested to use a timing light to time 8 n tractors. I?m just curious if anyone has like a tutorial
video or maybe some instructions on how to do so. I have always taken older vehicles or even my boat somewhere to get this done. I would like to learn
how this is done?

Front-mount distributor N's don't have timing marks, so you can't use a timing light, unless you make your own marks.

If you were to make a mark @ TDC and use a "advance" timing light, you could dial in the advance on the timing light.

Side-mount distributor 8N's have flywheel timing marks.

Self-powered (have batteries inside) timing lights are GREAT if the tractor is still 6 Volts (+) ground, or you can use a spare 12 Volt battery to power a 12 Volt timing light, just connect it's power leads to the 12 Volt battery with NO power connections to the TRACTOR electrical system.

Beyond that, there must be a million Youtube videos on the basics of using a timing light.

I have a side mount distributor and have converted to 12 volt system. So I assume I point the light into the flywheel hole and hook up to number one like timing a old truck?

Remove the #1 spark plug. (removing all of them makes the job a bit easier) Ignition off, place your thumb over the #1 spark plug hole and crank slowly until compression is felt. Continue to crank the engine until you see the timing mark, 0* (top dead center) on the flywheel through the timing hole in the right side of the bell housing. Use chalk on the flywheel to exactly align the 4 degree mark with the pointer. Loosen the hold down bolt. Rotate the distributor housing counter clockwise until the points are closed. Put the cap on & double check the plug wires, 1-2-4-3, CCW. Then, remove the primary wire from the side of the distributor (or at the coil, whichever is easier) Put one lead of your VOM (set on resistance) on the stud on the side of the distributor & the other on the block or other good ground. Slowly turn the distributor. The needle will move as the points close & then open. Find the exact spot just as the points open & then tighten down the distributor.

Now check your work (and the dynamic timing) w/ a light.

If it won't idle below 500 rpm (400 is better) don't bother w/ a light.

If it idles ok, make 3 marks w/ chalk or white paint on the flywheel:

4*
10*
17*

Start the engine.

At idle, the light should flash & the marker should line up exactly at 4* if you did the static timing correctly.

If not, loosen the distributor & turn it until the marks line up. It should take very little adjustment.

Once you've got that done, increase the engine speed to 1200 rpms. The light should flash & the marker should line up w/ the 10* mark. Then, increase the rpms to 2000 & look for the marker to align w/ the 17* mark.

Close counts on the advanced timing. A degree or 2 either way is ok. But, no movement or 5* or more off means you have an advance weight problem. You don't adjust the distributor to fix that.
75 Tips

Bruce , thanks for all the pointers. I am looking to buy a timing light, I would like to get one that does the job, and also one that I can figure out how to use or I guess you would say user friendly. Do you have any recommendations?

You won't have any problems.

3 wires.

1 to the plug wire, the other 2 as a power source.

Get one that operates on 6/12 volts or you will need a power source if your tractor is 6v.
75 Tips

I have a 12 volt one and it works just fine on 6 volts, your mileage may vary.