oil pump install/timing issues on 1601 Eight

Posted by FPTGearhead On 2015/4/21 19:43:26

I am having trouble getting the timing to fall into specs on my '38 Eight. I am sure that the procedure of using the light etc. is correct and that I'm shooting for the correct marks. When I turn the distributer I can only get to about TDC. I can retard the spark easily but that's it. The vacuum advance is working too as when I rev the engine the timing advances. The big issue is the advance diaphragm is hitting the oil filler tube when I try to advance the spark any more to get 7 degrees BTDC.

My thoughts are that when I rebuilt the engine many years ago, the oil pump was installed possibly incorrectly. Could the pump be off by a tooth where it meshes with the camshaft creating the timing issue? I understand the distributer can only go in two ways, correct and 180 off. Also I know about the witness mark going up or down for the Six or Eight.

The dwell/points are fine. The engine runs fairly well timed at TDC but I am still trying to get it in spec. I'm looking for advice, photos and help to solve this issue.

David