MTFCA Forum

I'm prepping my rebuilt engine to get it ready to install in my T. I went to put my New Day timer on and have a question. Since the engine came from the rebuilder without a timer, I don't know which way to put the brush on the camshaft. Since the hole for the retainer pin goes all the way thru it's possible to install the brush 180 degrees off. I'd just as soon get it right the first time

Is there a easy way to determine the correct position for the brush on the camshaft?

I imagine the simplest thing to do is set No 1 so it's just past TDC on firing stroke and see what position the brush contacts No 1 on the commutator.

Soooo..... to find TDC on the firing stroke I need to determine when both valves are closed?

Pul #1 plug and put your finger over the hole. When you feel air rushing out #1 is on its way up to TDC. I use a piece of weed eater string to know when I on TDC

Easy, just put your thumb in the spark plug hole and turn the crank. When you feel the compression, you know it is coming up on compression and when it reached the top it is at top dead center. You can double check to see if both valves are at closed at that point. If your crankshaft is drilled properly, the pin through the pulley should be straight across at top dead center and you pull it just a few degrees past that point to set the timing.
Norm

Sheeesh... a senior moment. I use the same technique when doing compression tests on an airplane engine. I guess I'm just trying to make things more complicated.

I hope this answers the initial question "I don't know which way to put the brush on the camshaft."