Based on John's experience with the exact same problem, I would apply "Occam's
Razor" and try this first before anything else. This would appear to be the
simplest solution.
Andy Walker
Edmond, OK
B382001600LRXFE
TAC #740
---- John Stithem <mai65tai@sonic.net> wrote:
> > 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
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