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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Distributor question

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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 07:33 AM
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Distributor question

1951 F1 with 351W runs great, but the timing mark is not steady and osilates about 15 degrees. Vacuum is off and pluged. Any ideas as to what the problem is? The distributor has about 120K miles on it.
Thank you for your input.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 08:44 AM
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Likely timing chain is stretched unless it's brand new. I have a 302 that I couldn't keep timed - finally swapped it for a crate motor. I found little wear in the cylinders after 200K, but the timing chain was really sloppy.

Bet you're looking at something similar.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 08:52 AM
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Thank you for your response. The timing chain is new, but the distributor has about 120K miles on it. I am still investigating. I can not think of what else it could be?

Tahnks again
Roger
 
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 10:08 AM
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I wouldn't think it would be running all that great if the timing was truly moving as much as you say. You also didn't say what ignition you were running; points, electronic, etc. It could be a case of bad bushings on the dist shaft, some other malady with the advance mechanisms, points or condenser, or it could be you simply have a bad timing light.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 07:41 PM
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IT HAS ELECTRONIC, BUT I DO THINK NOW THAT A BAD CONNECTION ON THE TIMING LIGHT MIGHT BE PART OF THE PROBLEM. iT SEEMS TO RUN ok. THE BUSHINGS IN THE DISTRIBUTOR I THINK ARE WORN A LITTLE ALSO.
THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT.
ROGER
 
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