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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20 |
Thanks to the VCCA folks for maintaining this site and also for opening their chat site to non members.
I have recently experienced a problem with my 39 Master DeLux sedan. After happily owning and maintaining this car for more than 15 years now, I recently found that I'm unable to set the timing properly. I have to rotate the distributor to the stop just to bring the timing mark to within a few degrees of the proper setting. I suspect a problem with the timing gears but I thought I'd ask for ideas before disassembling the timing cover. Thanks in advance for any help offered.
Ghost Rider
1942 3/4 ton pickup
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
1942 Dodge WC 1/2 ton pickup
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 293 Likes: 2
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 293 Likes: 2 |
If your car still runs the timing gear is probably OK. Your distributor may have slipped in the hold down bracket. I would line up the flywheel ball and pointer and check to see if the points are starting to open. Be sure #1 is on the compression stroke. If the points are not starting to open I would set the distributor bracket to '0' degrees loosen the distributor clamp and set the distributor so that the points are just staring to open then set the timing with a timing light or by ear. I've had my '40 for over 40 years with a few timing gear failures during 380,000 miles and when the timing gear fails it does not run. Be sure to tighten the distributor clamp good.
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20 |
Mike:
Thanks. I'll try this tomorrow and let you know how it works out.
Ghost Rider
1942 3/4 ton pickup
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
1942 Dodge WC 1/2 ton pickup
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Tom, Your distributor is one tooth off.Probably was installed that way long ago.It can't get that way by itself.If the distributor raises up too far it will disengage from the oil pump and you will have no oil pressure but the dist. gear will still be in contact with the cam gear.The flat end of the dist. shaft goes less than 1/4" into the slot in the oil pump.
Neither the timing gears or the dist. drive gear can slip without srtipping the teeth completely.
The "non-professional" way to advance the timing one notch would be to rotate the plug wires in the cap one notch.The retard the dist. slightly.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20 |
Mike and Chevgene:
I inspected my distributor this morning and found that when I tried to set ignition timing the vacuum advance clamp was not releasing. Although I had completely loosened the locking screw, a small amount of corrosion was preventing the clamp from releasing the distributor body. I cleaned everything up and the timing is now exactly 5 degrees before TDC.
Thanks for your advice. I'm now happily motoring again in 1939 style and will show the car tomorrow.
Ghost Rider
1942 3/4 ton pickup
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
1942 Dodge WC 1/2 ton pickup
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Doesn't it just make you fee good all over when you solve a problem like that? 
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20 |
Ray:
It sure does. I just feel a bit foolish for going to the chat room before thoroughly inspecting both the distributor hold down and the vacuum advance locking plate. Oh well, no harm no foul. Thanks again to all for your help and advice.
I showed the car locally today for the first time in about 10 years. It was not a judged event but, everyone still loves those old Chevys.
Ghost Rider
1942 3/4 ton pickup
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
1942 Dodge WC 1/2 ton pickup
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