Fordson Model N (timing)

Set the engine to top dead centre on cylinder number one.(The first cylinder back from the fan) (I take the plugs out of 2,3 & 4 after cleaning around them to stop dirt falling into the engine. I turn the engine up to the top of compression. The bolt through the pulley is either vertical or horizontal.I can't remember which, sitting here at the computer!) Sit the magneto on the engine with the cap off. Look to see which terminal in the cap the rotor is pointing to. Now sometimes the cap is labelled with one. If so, turn the maggie backwards (anticlockwise) until the rotor lines up and this should correspond to the engine with the loose "drive coupling" in place. With existing leads it's obviously the terminal going to cyl 1. It doesn't really matter where you start if you're starting from scratch and have to fit leads as well.
Fit the maggie with one bolt. Turn the engine over again and check that when the maggie trips on compression (only on number one) that the rotor is again pointing to cyl 1. If so continue to fit bolts and leads. Remember that the rotor turns opposite to the direction of the armature. The order of firing from memory is 1243. Make sure each terminal and lead lines up to the right plug as the rotor goes around. It can get a bit confusing when the wires are in the tube!
Hook up the advance and retard control. Remember to start it retarded! This is with the lever at the top position. Fully turned clock wise (from the seat) should turn the ignition off. Turning it anticlockwise advances the spark for when it is running.

I hope this helps and that I haven't confused you further. I also have an orange Fordson N. Mine is a 1938 model.

Regards
Andrew

Andrew