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Thread: Timing a Continental A-40-4

  1. #1

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    Timing a Continental A-40-4

    Looking for help in setting the timeing on a 1932 Continental A-40-4 thats in our E-2 Taylor Cub
    (Photo attached for old engine fans.)
    Manual that we have is not much more then a few typed sheets.
    Can not find anything as to where to line up the hub to the case. I do not see any visable mark.
    Unlike the A-65 and such where it was aligned with the split in the case.
    Thanks in advance.

    Joseph W. Lilley, President
    Western North Carolina Air Museum
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  2. #2

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    I have no idea, but just wanted to say, that's pretty darned cool!
    I bet it sounds neat, when it runs.

  3. #3
    Aaron Novak's Avatar
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    Joseph,
    Shoot me an e-mail and I can send you a PDF that covers timing and overhaul in general.

  4. #4
    Aaron Novak's Avatar
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    In the meantime here is a clip of the timing section.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  5. #5

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    I Fly Low,

    Glad you like the photo.
    I you want to check out the total ground up restoration of this 1932 Taylor E-2
    you can see it on our facebook page.
    Been meaning to post a log on here eventually and/or get it in the Sport mag members build section
    one of these days after we get it running.

    Here is the link: www.facebook.com/westernnorthcarolinaairmuseum
    Last edited by joseph W. Lilley; 11-07-2013 at 06:25 AM.

  6. #6

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    Aaron,

    Thanks for the reply and posting the PDF.
    I have the same Manual (You might have even have sent it to me a couple years ago when we started this project.)
    The prop hub actually has timing marks on it, but there is nothing on the engine case that stands out.
    We will most likely end up using the method described in the manual.
    Hope the gears will be visible with out having to pull timeing cover.
    It is close: Engine has putted through three or four turns, but would not kick over completely.
    It has kicked back a few times also, which is usually good indication of timing being off.
    All part of the joys of bringing life back to a engine that has not started since the 1940's
    E-mail on the way and will update this post on progress.

  7. #7
    cluttonfred's Avatar
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    I can't be of any help on the timing question, but here's some inspiration. ;-)

    *******
    Matthew Long, Editor
    cluttonfred.info
    A site for builders, owners and fans of Eric Clutton's FRED
    and other safe, simple, affordable homebuilt aircraft

  8. #8
    EAA Staff / Moderator Hal Bryan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cluttonfred View Post
    I can't be of any help on the timing question, but here's some inspiration. ;-)

    Widge!

    That's my dear, longtime friend Michelle Goodeve - one of the best pilots I've ever flown with. I was there the day this was shot, and we were in the pattern (sorry, it was in Canada, so we were in the circuit) at the same time. I was flying a Moth and giving rides while she played in the E2.

    Off-topic outburst over - back to your discussion about timing and engines and all that.

    Hal Bryan
    EAA Lifetime 638979
    Vintage 714005 | Warbirds 553527
    Managing Editor
    EAA—The Spirit of Aviation

  9. #9
    Aaron Novak's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by joseph W. Lilley View Post
    Aaron,

    Thanks for the reply and posting the PDF.
    I have the same Manual (You might have even have sent it to me a couple years ago when we started this project.)
    The prop hub actually has timing marks on it, but there is nothing on the engine case that stands out.
    We will most likely end up using the method described in the manual.
    Hope the gears will be visible with out having to pull timeing cover.
    It is close: Engine has putted through three or four turns, but would not kick over completely.
    It has kicked back a few times also, which is usually good indication of timing being off.
    All part of the joys of bringing life back to a engine that has not started since the 1940's
    E-mail on the way and will update this post on progress.
    Joseph,
    You should not be using hub "timing" marks to actually set the timing. This should be done with a degree wheel and "buzz box" (in place of the feeler gauge) after finding TDC in the usual manner. The manual spells that out pretty clearly. The method of using gear teeth marks and reverse rotation is to get the mag close for distubitor block position, not timing. Once the mag is "roughed in" to assure the correct cylinder will fire, then the timing is set. Make sense? To break it down into simple steps lets try this:

    (My method, little simpler to think of)
    1-Set Magneto to #1 Firing position (mag not installed)
    2-Find engine #1 TDC using the dial indicator method, and set your zero point on the degree wheel (timing disk)
    3-Set the engine to the firing point (22 degrees BTDC for yours)
    4-Install the magneto loosely without losing its position (roughing it in)
    5-using a buzz box, rotate the magneto until the points just break open with the crank at 22 deg. BTDC.
    6-secure the magneto, and recheck the timing, adjust if needed.

    Simple as pie Gotta love old engines.
    Last edited by Aaron Novak; 11-07-2013 at 10:47 AM.

  10. #10

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    Aaror,

    Again thanks for the info.
    Sorry took so long to acknowledge.
    Will keep you all informed.
    Later,
    Joseph

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