2N Distributor Timing

With the distributor on the tractor I have a hard time moving the timing screw with engine off or on. Should it move easily? I
realize that you should time it on the bench.
Secondly, engine runs for an hour or so then it starts to hesitate and wants to die. Carb ok. I installed a new coil but maybe
it was inferior. What else could it be? Thanks!
 
I don't see how you could set the timing correctly without removing the distributor. I have a special tool that bolts to the drive end of the distributor to hold the shaft in the correct position for setting the static timing.
 
Tractorguy2 is right. You can't tune the front mount Ford distributor off the engine and engine running; that's not the procedure. Get out your I&T FO-4 manual out to see the correct procedure and contact the email below for Farmer Dan's contact info -he has a pictorial on how to do it. Engine dying after running could be a fuel issue. First up, is the Fuel Sediment Bulb Valve open 2 Full Turns? Next, perform the fuel flow test while you have the distributor off and on your kitchen table, aka the 'bench'. Get a set of good points like the set CNH sells or the Standard Ignition off ebay or Summit Racing. The rest are junk. NAPA supplies the ECHLIN brand, #CS-35, who use to be a good brand but recent new suppliers prove they are junk and can't be properly set. You will need a continuity tester or VOM, preferably digital to perform the final inspection/test procedure once you have the tune-up set. Once bench test is approved, mount engine and be sure it is set correctly with tangs. You're not ready yet to fire up. Next step is to check continuity static to verify coil has power via continuity and ballast resistor is connected correctly. Also important is to know if you have a 6V or 12V set up. If 6V/POS GRN, is the coil 6V too? If 12V/NEG GRN, is the coil 6V or 12V? Is the OEM Ballast Resistor in place? If 12V, and a 6V coil, you need to add an in-line ceramic 1-OHM resistor to the circuit. You can eliminate the extra resistor by simply switching to a 12V coil. Finally, regardless of your electrical set up (6V or 12V) it's imperative one has all of the WIRING correctly set.

FORD N-SERIES FRONT MOUNT TIMING JIG:
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OEM FORD FRONT MOUNT DISTRIBUTOR TIMING METHOD:
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Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)
 
I have never set the timing on an N so will defer to others there.
As for a gas engine running for a while and then cutting out and missing, I learned to always, always test your spark First. Verify that you have a bright, bluish-white spark that will jump about 3/8". Short or yellowish spark will Not do. It requires No tools to pull a plug wire, lay it against the engine somewhere and check. Only then should you go on to possible fuel issues.
 
Randy, as others are saying, don't try to set the timing with the distributor on the tractor.

Remove the distributor, set the point gap, THEN set the timing by the book or with a jig.


Your problem of " engine runs for an hour or so then it starts to hesitate and wants to die." is NOT related to timing.

As soon as the tractor starts running poorly, not 5 minutes later, check for spark and fuel. (see tip # 13)

You need to answer 2 questions before you do anything else:

With the bolt in the carb bowl removed and the gas on, will the fuel flow fill a pint jar in less than 2 minutes?

Next, get out your adjustable gap spark checker * , open the gap to 1/4", hook it up, turn the key on and crank the engine. Does the spark jump 1/4"? Post back with the answers.

And do not buy a new part for the tractor until you can answer this question: how do I know the part on the tractor is defective?

Once you narrow the problem to spark or fuel, post back and tell us what you found (and how you found it) and you will get plenty of help to get your tractor running.



* Don't own an adjustable gap spark checker? Buy one! Not a test light! Until then, take an old plug, open the gap 1/4" ground it to the head & look for spark. It?s not the color of the spark that counts; it?s the distance it jumps.






https://www.amazon.com/AMPRO-T71240-Energy-Ignition-Tester/dp/B00A8FO87S/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1513273147&sr=8-4-fkmr1&keywords=ampro+spark+checker
75 Tips
 

The best way to set the timing is with the dist on the engine, engine running.. You would have to be dedicated and tooled up to do it tho...

The ruler/TOH jig trick is a shadtree way to do it but close enough for government work.. No I have nuttin again those tricks I have done quite a few that way and will use those tricks again...
 

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