Questionmy flathead will not start I set points using two ruler system from van pelts .new coil lots of spark new pump lots of gas, rebuilt carb and new fuel lines etc. It fired for 2 seconds using quick start down carburetor with pedal to floor .how can I check timing? I have no timing light .Thanks from al in nova scotia
AnswerHello Ahall1,
While I'm not a Ford flathead expert, I can help you dead reckon timing with out a timing light.
First, know the firing order of the engine and trace the ignition wire from the number 1 cylinder plug to the distributor.
Remove the distributor cap, noting the number 1 cylinder position on the distributor base.
Leaving the distributor rotor on, manually turn the engine so the rotor is facing the number 1 cylinder mark on the distributor base you made previously. At this point, the engine will be either at Top Dead Center (TDC) or on it's exhaust stroke, nothing else.
Check to see if the timing mark on the flywheel is matching the fixed timing mark on the engine. If it is not, then the engine is on it's exhaust stoke so again turn the engine make a 360 degree rotation of the distributor back to mark you made and check again to see if it's lined up. Alternately, you can remove the number 1 spark plug and listen for the air outflow from the cylinder as it compresses the air in that cylinder to TDC.
Once you're at TDC, timing should be close enough to start the car. Loosen the bolt holding the distributor to the block so that you just can turn it. With the car running, carefully turn the distributor until idle engine speed is the highest and retighten the distributor bolt. This is how you set the timing without a timing light. It's not exact but should be pretty close to factory specs. until you have timer to properly time it with a timing light.
Conversely, if you get the engine to a verified TDC and it still will not start, your problem is elsewhere.
Good Luck!
Bob
