I have a 23 Touring I got from my father. It has as AK LA distributor and it's making a ton of spark but it refuses to start. My dad had it running last in 1976 and it's sat ever since but here's the thing, when the points break and fire the # 1 spark plug the piston is halfway down the cylinder which would lead me to think the distributor is not timed correctly. My father has owned this T since 1950 and no one has ever messed with the distributor. Any suggestions?
Craig,
I have a PDF of the AK LA distributor installation instructions on the home computer. I can send it to you this evening.
Sounds like the body of the distributor needs to be turned to get spark right after top dead center with the spark lever all the way up.
Larry
I am just wondering if he didn't have it set up to run on one buzz coil. For that it would be probably be timed about right as the spark then occurs when the point make rather than break. There is also two positions for the rotor to accommodate this feature.
I just reset mine the other day. If the piston is TDC,you turn rotor till it is on #1 plug and gently insert it into place . It isn't hard to do.
Craig ,
Sent you a PM.
Larry
I had some other folks ask for the Atwater Kent Model LA installation instructions that I decided I would post them them here also.
AK LA instructions Atwater Kent Distributor information Copy Copy.pdf (3.2 k) |
Unfortunately I cant get the PDF to open on my computer but if the distributer will rotate I can probably get it timed. Re-timing only the rotor doesn't appear to be an option because it's indexed to the distributor shaft.
I get a "blank" page also. Simply remove the gears out of mesh and keep turning the rotor (and shaft) until the gears mesh correctly (you have to keep putting the distributor in place) with the rotor pointing at # 1 on the cap or do it all over with firing order 1-2-4-3.
My page is blank also. Anyone get it to copy?
Keep taking it off and turning the shaft till you get the rotor and points in the right spot. That becomes your No 1 terminal. Wire from there 1243. The point should be just ready to open with the piston just past TDC. It may take a few tries.
Is there an echo in here ?
Craig - Not to be insulting, 'cause I've actually made a basic mistake or two like this (hard to believe, right?) but one more thing to be sure of; when getting the rotor to point to #1, be sure the #1 piston is a top dead center on the COMPRESSION stroke. It is possible to be one complete crankshaft revolution off and have the #1 piston at the top of the exhaust stroke. Guess that'd be sorta' like being right on time for the sermon but in the wrong church!
Page comes up blank for me also
The PDF file was to big. X@&/!#%.
I'll see if I can repost.
Sorry guys.
Larry
Did the Distributor PDF get reposted? If it did can someone send me in the right direction. I just bought a 1923 Coupe that has been converted to the AK distributor and I could sure use the help.
Robert,
You will find some info on the Atwater Kent Model LA at:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/23811.html?1170023863
And/or you can buy the instructions on eBay at:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atwater-Kent-Model-LA-Instructions-/310445085941?pt=US_N onfiction_Book&hash=item4847f814f5
The instructions can also be found other places by google searching for, "Atwater Kent Model LA installation instructions".
Good Luck,
Jim
Thank-you for the help. I am finding answers to most of my questions, a little at time. The car has not been driven or even started for 15 to 20 years. I am working my way thru all the issues. Drained and cleaned the tank, replaced the fuel lines & added a filter. Now am working on the Kingston Carb and AK distributor. I have only made a couple of posts on the formum and bought the car this summer so I am the "new" (actually old) kid on the block.
Robert,
Be aware that most folks find that an inline gas filter does not work in a gravity system with the tank under the seat. If the tank is cleaned out well and the screen is in place a filter should not be needed.
If there is any residue in the gas tank from old gas, be sure to flush it with acetone or something that will cut the residue.
Jim
Robert Cutter:
Take you filter off, step back and throw it as far as you can.