MTFCA Forum

Hey all, I am working on timing my 1913 T and ran across that great article by Ron Patterson about hand cranking, but I am asking for a little help with interpreting this image...can someone validate this is a diagram of the front of the timer as seen from the front of the car? Or what does this diagram show? My puny brain is struggling to make sense of it, just don't want a sore arm by reading it wrong.

Thanks!
Jim Chochole

I am posting this at the risk of getting beat up again. It shows how the polarity of the coil spark changes every 22.5 degrees of crankshaft rotation.
The 22.5 degrees is a result of 360 degrees divided by the number of magnets on the flywheel. This can be seen when using an HCCT.

Art Mirtes

Jim...using the "9:30-3:30" crank pin position with #1 on compression I have my '13 timed so that after 2 "prime yanks" and 3 "non-prime" yanks (quarter yanks btw) (switch in off position) she often free starts when I turn switch on batt. but almost always starts with just one "quarter yank" on the handle.

Ron can further explain the diagram better than any of us could, hopefully he will see your post and respond.

In the meantime, forget the diagram, here is a great procedure for setting timing that will work for any brand of timer:

https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG97.html

Steve Coniff and I co-wrote that articel twenty years ago in an effort simply explain how the commonly misunderstood Model T Ford ignition system really works. The explanation remains today as one of the seminal learning documents.
The diagram Figure 7 is intended to depict the inter- relationship betweenn three key elements of the Model T ignition system.
Those three elements are 1) crankshaft osition in drgrees 2)magneto current pulses and 3) timer case movement.
When you look at the digram think about these three things and how they are moving and working togather.
Whne we wrote the article we had many heated discussions abut how the diagram should be depicted.
Steve Coniff passed away last week, but I'll bet he is chuckling about the disagreements and number of times we changed the diagram to get everyone on board. Like hearding Model T cats!
Enjoy
Ron Patterson

CudaMan wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 23, 2023 6:00 pm

Ron can further explain the diagram better than any of us could, hopefully he will see your post and respond.

In the meantime, forget the diagram, here is a great procedure for setting timing that will work for any brand of timer:

https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG97.html

This describes the "9:30-3:30" crank pin procedure in step by step detail. Thanks Mark

James
Give me a cal if you still have questions abiout Figure 7.
Ron Patterson
(3 minus 1) (1 plus 2) (0 plus 1) (2 plus 1) (9 minus 5) (6 plus 2) (1 plus 4) (0) (8) (3 plus 2)

When it comes to the Model T electrical system, what Ron Patterson says is right.
Norm

When it comes to the Model T electrical system, what Ron Patterson says is right.

Well, perhaps with exception to ignition coil tuning for equal and consistent firing time. On that particular topic, opinions and experience varies markedly. Otherwise, certinally a valued contributor of considerable Model T electrical knowledge and information.

Here we go!!

Thanks guys and especially to Ron for the invaluable article and willingness to reach out and help fellow old car buffs!