Tractor Repair: ford 8n tractor, ford 8n tractor, distributor shaft

Question
I am in the market for a Ford 8n tractor.I viewed an ad for one that was in great shape but the owner said it jumped time.He also said it was an easy fix.Do you have any info on the timing concern?

Answer
Hello,

  I'm not sure what he means, these are a very simple basic flathead engine without any timing chains, belts, etc. so I don't see how it can possibly jump out of time.  The timing gears on the crankshaft and camshaft never fail on these engines, at least that I know of.  The earlier models had a direct drive distributor on the front of the engine, but the later models had a side mounted gear driven distributor.  The only possibility I can think of is if it's a later model with a side mounted distributor and maybe the driven gear on the distributor shaft is bad, but that's just a guess.  You should ask the owner to give you more information on what he thinks is wrong, and why it is an easy fix.  Then do a follow-up with me on this question if you need more help.