Fordson E27n Timing

[OGB]

Just want to pick your brains fellas on the timing of an E27n...
the last couple of nights iv been tinkering with the major in the shed, (no pun intended) swapping over the incorrect mag with the correct RF4 mag...
if my memory serves me correctly the firing order (starting from behind the fan) is 1-2-4-3.
Therefore, am I right in thinking then, that the numbers on the mag cap (as viewed from the cap) bottom Left no.1, top left no.2, bottom right no.3 & top right no.4 will connect via the HT leads as follows: no.1 on mag to no.1 plug, no.2 on mag to no.3 on plug, no.3 on mag to no. 2 on plug & finally, no.4 on mag to no. 4 on plug?
Anyone have any thoughts on this before I try it later...

 

[OGB]

Just want to pick your brains fellas on the timing of an E27n...
the last couple of nights iv been tinkering with the major in the shed, (no pun intended) swapping over the incorrect mag with the correct RF4 mag...
if my memory serves me correctly the firing order (starting from behind the fan) is 1-2-4-3.
Therefore, am I right in thinking then, that the numbers on the mag cap (as viewed from the cap) bottom Left no.1, top left no.2, bottom right no.3 & top right no.4 will connect via the HT leads as follows: no.1 on mag to no.1 plug, no.2 on mag to no.3 on plug, no.3 on mag to no. 2 on plug & finally, no.4 on mag to no. 4 on plug?
Anyone have any thoughts on this before I try it later...

Something like this...

 

[Kevm]

You have the numbers on your engine wrong, should just go 1234 from front to back.

 

[OGB]

that's the firing order though, surely?

 

[Mursal]

No put the plugs leads on 1234 on the engine, 1 at the front as mentioned. Firing order is controlled on the cap not the leads / engine.


Also double check direction of rotation of the mag, as this will also influence firing order.

Firing order will be 1243 only if mag turning clockwise

 

[OGB]

What do the numbers stamped on the cap represent?

The engine is turning clockwise, therefore the armature in the mag counter-clockwise? or so I thought

I can see what your saying though, putting leads on 1234, then the mag points fire 1243 if clockwise. This would be correct...im just pretty sure the mag is opposite direction to the engine

I haven't had chance to double check the rotation of the mag to be double sure but I will this weekend

Thanks fellas, any more thoughts on this is greatly appreciated

 

[Steevo]

Got an engineer doing a Standard Fordson currently. When we were doing the mag/leads a week or so back the numbers on the cap were corresponding to the cylinder number, not firing order. As above, 1234.

 

[OGB]

Got an engineer doing a Standard Fordson currently. When we were doing the mag/leads a week or so back the numbers on the cap were corresponding to the cylinder number, not firing order. As above, 1234.

Thanks fellas...as long as the rotor is contacting the points in a clockwise direction this will work..watch this space

 

[OGB]

another query I have with setting up the timing...
assuming the mag is correct regarding the internals, where should the advance/retard lever be for starting? im assuming central / horizontal?

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Does this help ?

 

[tomlad]

Have u found firdson tractor pages forum
Loads of stuff there , possibly not as active but the threads may well b there .

 

[Ley253]

Regarding the advance lever, full advance. Impulse coupling retards ign enough for starting. If the coupling fails, (no CLICK) dont "swing" the engine it will bite! Depending on the year, the correct mag will be early, lucas GJ 4, up to the very last few, Lucas RF 4, and final few, lucas SR 4. The last is to be avoided, had several over the years, all gave up, in the most annoying way. Started, drove out to the field, started work, power rapidly dropped off, finally stop. Wait an hour, start and drive home no problem!

 

[OGB]

Does this help ?

certainly does! I had a dig through our books and literature and came across this. Quite an informative manual. Thanks.

 

[OGB]

Regarding the advance lever, full advance. Impulse coupling retards ign enough for starting. If the coupling fails, (no CLICK) dont "swing" the engine it will bite! Depending on the year, the correct mag will be early, lucas GJ 4, up to the very last few, Lucas RF 4, and final few, lucas SR 4. The last is to be avoided, had several over the years, all gave up, in the most annoying way. Started, drove out to the field, started work, power rapidly dropped off, finally stop. Wait an hour, start and drive home no problem!

after a couple of hours messing we have got the Major running... we have advanced the ign enough after startup, to just before it begins to knock? is this correct?
Our Major is Dec 1950, and so originally had the RF 4 mag (the one which we have had re wound) The mag that was on previously was the SR 4. This is an enclosed sealed unit with no adv/rtd.
Although your implying that this mag was unreliable, hand on heart we haven't had any issues with it.
Understandably, its not being used with the same frequency as it was back in the 50's but...
Il try and get some photos up of her running...bear with

 

[Mursal]

Nealy need a video .......

 

[OGB]

Out for a run after replacing the mag for the correct one...ran beautifully..video to follow...