Re: timing on 54 Patty

Posted by HH56 On 2015/3/15 13:04:32

As you said, one tooth off doesn't leave a lot of adjust room because the steel vacuum advance tubing doesn't have a lot of give. It might be good to go ahead and remove the oil pump and get the drive gear correct so the dist can be operating in the normal range. As long as you have some adjust though it might not be a high priority as long as you remember the issue.

As far as removing the dist, if you mark or note a few things and don't turn the engine at all while dist is out then it is not a major undertaking for a remove and replace. Take note of where the octane adjust is set (if you have one) and then mark where the rotor is positioned. If you are removing the wires also be sure where #1 plug wire is positioned in the cap. As long as nothing moves or is reinstalled differently you should be able to get it back in exactly the same spot and timing should be almost the same.

It might be a good idea to verify the vacuum advance is working well -- nothing sticking in the dist advance plate and the diaphragm is intact and not leaking. One other caution on working in the dist. If yours is the type with a fabric covered wire between the points and the outside terminal be careful of that wire. The old cloth insulation may be rotten and fall off if disturbed. If that happens there is a good chance of the wire shorting in a hidden spot and the car will not start. Then you sit there scratching your head as to what could have gone wrong.

I don't want to sound too "preachy" but If you do have a bad wire then it needs to be replaced with the special flexible wire. Once disturbed it doesn't get better as several on the forum have experienced first hand. Don't rely long term on tape or heat shrink etc or replace with ordinary wire. Too stiff a wire will break or cause other issues. Some have had luck with something like nail polish on the old fabric but it is not an ideal lasting solution. At any rate, if you don't address the problem or replace the wire then it is a likely short and inconvenient breakdown waiting to happen.

Napa has some different length wires but they may be special order. The wire is cheap but freight is outrageous. They frequently show up on ebay and are generally reasonably priced but you may not find the exact wire with the same terminals. Usually you can find something that works though. Not sure if vendors have any stocked but maybe worth checking with them.