TIMING A BANTAM (EARLY)
The instructions for timing the Bantam engine are:
You need to get #1 piston
(closest to the radiator) up to top dead center on the COMPRESSION
stroke.
With the flywheel cover off, make a distinct narrow mark in white
paint (or
other) both on the flywheel and opposite it on the crankcase.
The factory
specifications I have are from Bantam Service Letter B-23 dated
June 9, 1938.
It says: "After lining up for top dead center, advance the
engine by turning
the flywheel so that it is 2 degrees before the spark occurs at
top dead
center. This is equivalent to 5/32 of an inch" ( This would
be measured along
the outer circumference of the flywheel.)
Does this give you enough information so you can time your
engine? The firing
order is 1-3-4-2. Do you know how to find top dead center on #1
cylinder on
your engine? Once you have done that, do you know how to set the
distributor
so the #1 fires at the correct time? That's why I asked you how
experienced
you are as a mechanic. I didn't want to get too elementary on
the subject nor
too long winded.