Classic/Antique Car Repair: Distributor / Timing Question, rotor shaft, cars of the 50s

Question
Hello Mr Benjamin

My question is about an American make, but with a British powertrain!  It's really just a general theory question not really related to any make or model.  You should also know I am definitely a novice do it yourself mechanic.  I like to try!

My car is a 1957 Nash Metropolitan.  I want to install a newly rebuilt distributor.  Can you tell me if I need to do any adjustments with the timing after the distributor is installed?  And how would I know if the timing is out of whack?

Also, I'm thinking of installing a newer "high torque" starter in place of the original starter (which has gone bad).  Do you know anything about these newer starters?  They look quite different from the original, but I have been told they are a very reliable replacement.

Many Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer.

Best Regards - Mason

Answer
Well, first I have to note that Mason is an historic name with regard to American Motors cars of the 50s - perhaps you are a relative?

When you replace a distributor, even if you manage to get the rotor aimed exactly in the same direction as the old one after the replacement unit is fully engaged, you still have the body of the distributor to position properly, as it is free to rotate around the rotor shaft. Thus, to do this job, you must re-time the engine.  To do this you have to use a timing light and have previously cleaned and marked the timing indicator so you can see it well in the brief flash from the timing light.  This is really not a job for an amateur.

The consequences of the timing being set incorrectly range from a potentially damaging pre-ignition if the timing is too far advanced, to a refusal to start if the error is large enough in either direction.  You can always get the timing close enough to run the engine, however, if you have a test light or a voltmeter.  The process is as follows:

Before you remove the old distributor, turn off the engine.

Note the position of the spark plug wire that goes to #1 spark plug by making a mark on the body of the distributor right below the cap.  

Then remove the distributor cap, and rotate the crankshaft (by hand if you can, by pulling on the fan belt) in the clockwise (viewed from the front) direction until the rotor is pointed at the mark, then fine tune the crank position until the timing pointer is at exactly TDC (top dead center for #1 cylinder).  

Make a note of the direction the rotor turns when the engine is turned clockwise.  

Now, make very sure no one moves the crankshaft until you have the car back together.

Remove the old distributor, and install the new one such that the rotor points in the same direction as previously noted.   

Now, with a test light or meter indicating the presence or absence of voltage on the distributor side terminal, rotate the distributor in the direction opposite of that noted for the rotor above, until the voltage jumps up from near zero to 12 volts.  When that happens, the timing is set close enough that the car will run, at least well enough to get it to a shop with a timing light for final adjustment.  Lock the timing clamp on the distributor body without rotating it from this position. This assumes that you have set the point gap properly before installing the distributor.

As for going to a different starter design, yes, the new mini-starters seem to making inroads in the old car hobby, but I can think of no rational reason to make a change like this.  If nothing else, it will sound strange!   I prefer to maintain the old cars in the same condition as they were when new, and I am sure the engine left Jolly Old England with a perfectly adequate starter. If you want to try it, you're on your own - I assume you can find one that is engineered for this engine?

Good Luck, whatever you decide.

Dick