'51 F4 project
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 401
From: W. Central FL.
Thanks Wayne. I've decided I'm not going to install it on the truck until I get the new ends, as it doesn't make sense to do that twice. I'm not driving Betsy yet, so there's no rush. And I found the tie rod ends for $40 at NAPA online.
After I straightened it as best I could, I made the toe adjustment with the original "bent" tie rod using only a tape measure to get the front and back of the tires even. Is there a better way to do this without the special tool in the Shop Manual? Or is this something I'm going to need to take it somewhere to have done correctly?
After I straightened it as best I could, I made the toe adjustment with the original "bent" tie rod using only a tape measure to get the front and back of the tires even. Is there a better way to do this without the special tool in the Shop Manual? Or is this something I'm going to need to take it somewhere to have done correctly?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Tuned
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
This is the part where we both say, "man, I could really use a good blasting setup right about now."
I learned something from 52 Merc indirectly when I got this part from him. Instead of fighting with the remaining old tie rod end (which I have not tried to remove yet) I think I'll just cut it off. Gonna replace it anyway...
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Yes, I should get her painted red, and put a Santa or snowman in the cab.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
Thanks guys.
If I get a lighted Santa or snowman to put in the cab, I'll post another pic. My wife loves the idea. And since I hope to have Betsy road worthy before NEXT Christmas, this may be the last time I decorate her. But... maybe not.
If I get a lighted Santa or snowman to put in the cab, I'll post another pic. My wife loves the idea. And since I hope to have Betsy road worthy before NEXT Christmas, this may be the last time I decorate her. But... maybe not.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
I borrowed my son's timing light a few weeks ago, and tried to set the timing. But even with the distributor cranked to the stop, I couldn't make the marks line up. It was too far advanced, and was harder to start.
Then I read this reply from 38 coupe in another thread: "I set the timing at TDC (0 degrees) with the engine off. Turn the engine by hand until the pointer is aimed at the "bump". Pull the distributor cap. Loosen the distributor. Turn the ignition on. Start with the distributor at full retarded and slowly advance it. When the points spark, stop turning the distributor and lock it down. No timing light needed."
I made sure the rotor was pointing at #1 plug ( it can point 180 out with the timing marks lined up) although I doubt it makes a difference, and followed these instructions. The truck starts easier and runs smoother than it has since I got it.
And rather than turning the engine by hand, I used the button on the starter relay to crank the starter. If you do use this method, make sure the ignition key is OFF and the truck is in neutral before pushing that little button.
Then I read this reply from 38 coupe in another thread: "I set the timing at TDC (0 degrees) with the engine off. Turn the engine by hand until the pointer is aimed at the "bump". Pull the distributor cap. Loosen the distributor. Turn the ignition on. Start with the distributor at full retarded and slowly advance it. When the points spark, stop turning the distributor and lock it down. No timing light needed."
I made sure the rotor was pointing at #1 plug ( it can point 180 out with the timing marks lined up) although I doubt it makes a difference, and followed these instructions. The truck starts easier and runs smoother than it has since I got it.
And rather than turning the engine by hand, I used the button on the starter relay to crank the starter. If you do use this method, make sure the ignition key is OFF and the truck is in neutral before pushing that little button.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, WA
Yeah i can't seem to get my timing light to work right on my '53 Mainline (215 Inline 6) I know it's a good timing light as it works on other stuff. I wonder if it being a 6V system, if that throws the light off. I ended up just setting it by trial and error. Will have to try your method next spring when i pull it out of it's cocoon.
But it there any truth in that? Do you have to use a timing light specific to a 6v system? I noticed the same thing with my dwell meter too. Was giving me weird readings... ended up just setting by gap. And input on this?
But it there any truth in that? Do you have to use a timing light specific to a 6v system? I noticed the same thing with my dwell meter too. Was giving me weird readings... ended up just setting by gap. And input on this?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
So, does it make a difference if it's a 12v timing light? Does a 12v timing light not work on a 6v system?
EDIT: I Googled it and came up with this...
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/timinglight.html
EDIT: I Googled it and came up with this...
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/timinglight.html