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1950 Ford 8n #s on distributor cap

J

Jackstraw22

New User
1950 Ford 8n with side mount distributor.


Can anyone please tell me the numbers of the connections on the distributor cap. If you could use a clock to make it easy that would be great. Like #1 at 10 o clock, #2 at 7 o clock, # 4 at 5 o clock and #3 at 2 o clock ? Is that right ? That?s what I thought it was but wanted to confirm.

Thanks
 
You're close, #1 @ 12, #3 @ 3, #4 @ 6, # 2 @ 9.

But, that is dependent on the distributor gear being timed to the cam at the factory recommended position. The numbers you gave will be close enough if there is enough room to turn the distributor housing.

You may need to bring the #1 cylinder up on TDC compression stroke and retime it if in doubt.
 
That sounds right for a front mount distributor N series tractor.
The problem is, you said you have a 1950.
They changed from front mount to side mount distributor mid-year.

If it is a side mount distributor, it's not quite that easy.
Rotate the engine by hand until #1 cylinder is on TDC of
compression stroke, then take off the distributor cap and see
where the rotor points. The tower where it points is #1.
Then 2-4-3 CCW from there. #1 could be any of the 4 terminals.

If you want to make it "factory correct" and it isn't already,
you would need to remove the distributor and re-insert it so
the rotor points to the correct terminal per the manual.
That's certainly not difficult, but also not necessary.
 
(quoted from post at 10:11:26 01/10/20) What is tdc compression stroke ?
Click to expand...

Means piston is at the end of it's upward travel at the end of the compression stroke.

Intake and exhaust valves will be closed, and fuel and air mix will be compressed, ready for an ignition spark to light 'em off.
 
TDC compression stroke is when the piston is coming up on compression . TOP DEAD CENTRE is exactly as it says... then the piston will travel down once the fuel is ignited. there is 2 TDC's ,... but you need it to be on compression to set timing and to fire. you can put your thumb over the hole to " feel" for it. some times I use those plastic hyd. caps in the spark plug hole. then she will pop the cap out once the piston is compressing air.
the other way I do it when I have the valve cover off is to watch #1 cyl. running mate... so when #4 valves are rocking , guarantee you have #1 on compression.
 
"Also how do you rotate engine by hand ? With the fan ?"

You can use the fan. Easier with the plugs out.
You can bump the starter to get it close, then use the fan.
You could also remove the starter and use a prybar/screwdriver.
Some engage the PTO and turn the PTO shaft to turn the engine.
Works good. Especially if you have a helper.

I use a hand crank. One from a Farmall Cub works fine for that.
The hand crank doesn't work if you have a front mounted hydraulic
pump for a loader.
 
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