The weekend Nora got a timing tuneup. Although Nora is a '41 she has the engine from a later model Plymouth. The engine number begins with a P22 so it either a '51 or '52. Many of the parts are still interchangeable nonetheless.
Tuning parameters for 1949 to 1952 U.S.-built Plymouths (P-17, P-18, P-19, P-20, P-22, P-23)
- Spark plug gap - .035"
- Breaker gap - .020"
- Initial ignition timing - T.D.C.
- Dwell setting - 34.5 deg. to 38 deg.
- Firing Order - 1-5-3-6-2-4
Once I had an idea of the engine model I was able to order the proper points, condenser, distributor cap and rotor. Although initially I set the points to exacting precision, ended up adjusting the dwell but guess and ear. Same goes for the timing, I started off at TDC (top dead centre) then had to adjust the timing slightly after the engine was warm.
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| Internals of a IAT-4003 Autolite Distributor. | |
I suppose there was supposed to be a conical gasket between the engine and distributor so I fashioned one from a couple layers of fibre gasket material and gasket goo. I seems to work as well and didn't leak any oil after a 30min drive.
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| An artist rendering of a Distributor for a P22 engine. |
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After about a year driving on the old points and condenser set-up. I swapped them out for an electronic ignition from Pertronix. The model for my distributor and 6 volt positive ground was the 1362P.
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| Drilling out the rivets on the advance plate. Won't be needing that any more. |
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The after removing the post, the pick-up screwed into place on the advance plate. A magnetic ring slips on under the wiper.
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| Pick-up and magnetic ring. |
This points replacement is a huge improvement. The engine starts better, runs smoother, and has way more power. Hundred bucks well spent.
