> Hi Gary,
I had the exact same problem with my Mallory Dual point (have since converted
it to a Unilite but not because of this problem--I just like the Mallory).
Same symptoms--got it to run well but had to reset the timing almost every
time I took it out because it would run bad the next time I started it up.
Then it started to happen while driving it.
I went through many of the potential fixes you have and couldn't find the fix.
I had to keep resetting the distributor. What I finally found out was after
each drive the rotor would end up in a different spot. I found this out by
looking where the rotor would sit at TDC after each resetting of the timing
then taking it out for a run. This happened many years ago and my memory is
not the best --- but to the best of my recollection--There is a set screw at
the top part of the upper shaft (just below the rotor) If that set screw is
even a little loose the upper part of the shaft (where the rotor attaches)
will rotate slightly on the lower part of the shaft (where the cam gear and
oil pump shaft are). If the upper part moves at all it will throw the timing
off---in the end my was being thrown off by one while spark plug lead (which
sounds about where you are now).
Let me know if this solves the riddle.
John Stithem
P.S. Get rid of the points and go to the Unilite conversion if you want to
keep the Mallory.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pointers
> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 7:08 AM
> To: tigers@autox.team.net
> Subject: [Tigers] Timing deviates - advice needed
>
> I put out a list MayDay a year ago when suddenly, upon starting, the car
ran
> absolutely brutal. Undriveable. Adjusted the timing, replaced the fuel pump
> & fuel filter, drained the fuel. Nada. Barely running. (Tony, and others,
> thanks for the input). Then I finally get a guy I know (not a mechanic, but
> good problem solver and mechanically knowledgeable) to look at it. Car
> starts and runs not too bad (no changes made), he moves the distributor,
and
> voila, runs perfectly. Start it a few times, drive it around, set the
dwell,
> all's well.
>
> Some time later I get a bad result again, and my mechanic buddy moves the
> dist to full lock, and it's running 90%. We move the dist wires one
position
> so we can move the dist, then set the timing correctly.
> He checks everything: float bowls, condenser changed, dwell set (got some
> strange readings tho). Runs awesome.
>
> Some time later I get a bad result. I check the timing and I'm at zero
> degrees. I move the wires one position in the opposite direction, adjust to
> 16 degrees and voila!
>
> Some time later...well, you get the picture.
> Something seems to throw my timing out substantially. If I make adjustment,
> my timing goes out the other direction.
> This does not occur while I'm driving. Only upon a subsequent start-up.
> Someone highly regarded thought timing chain, but I checked (observing
> degrees of movement when manually reversing crank direction) and it would
> appear to be well within spec.
> New coil, points, wires 1000 miles ago.
> I'm running a Mallory dual point. I want to keep it (not the LAT Ford dual
> point, but historically similar).
> It doesn't appear to be worn, the points are clean, rotor is good. Swapped
> out condenser.
> Cannot seem to source new points (though they are shiny, not burnt).
> Tried to start it in the fall to go park it for the winter, and it would
not
> even fire; suspect the timing might be way out this time. I verified there
> is spark and fuel. Covered it up for the winter.
>
> Mallory won't help. Completely unsupported and no parts avail.
> Couldn't find a shop that'll just take in the distributor and bench test
it.
> Any ideas? Would prefer a remedy to existing.
> Should I take the leap to electronic? If so, what would you recommend?
> Spring is coming, and I've got to have a more trouble free summer this
year.
> All suggestions appreciated.
> I will queue up your thoughts and likely be able to get after it when
Spring
> shows up in 3 weeks.
>
> Appreciated! Please solve the riddle!
>
> Gary
> St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
> _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
tigers@autox.team.net
Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
Unsubscribe:
http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/tigers/tigers-archive@autox.team.net
|