Tuning a 1949 WD

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   Just recently got my Grandpa's WD running again after it had been sitting for over a decade. Actually running pretty decent as is but I still think it could use some finer tuning to smooth it out more. I cleaned the carb myself, albeit crudely, with just some carb cleaner and compressed air before putting it back together with new needle valves and a couple new gaskets. Set the needle valves on the carb per the manual. Tried reviving the mag myself too but never had any luck getting any spark so I splurged for a "new" professionally rebuilt mag which I then installed per the manual also. The new mag is currently installed centered within the adjustment slots. That was good enough to get her to start even with just the hand crank only and drive her around the yard under her own power for the 1st time in over 10 years. Boy, was that ever a thrill!!! NOW, I'm planning to do a little fine tuning the next time I get her running BUT before I get to that, I thought it might be a good idea to ask for any input from those of you with more experience than myself in regards to just where I should start. Do I adjust timing with the mag adjustments first and then tune in the carb better OR vice versa OR doesn't it really matter which I do first?????? TIA folks.

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LionelinKY Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Radcliff,KY Points: 695	Post Options Post Reply Quote LionelinKY Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Tuning a 1949 WD Posted: 15 Oct 2022 at 3:51am
	Just recently got my Grandpa's WD running again after it had been sitting for over a decade. Actually running pretty decent as is but I still think it could use some finer tuning to smooth it out more. I cleaned the carb myself, albeit crudely, with just some carb cleaner and compressed air before putting it back together with new needle valves and a couple new gaskets. Set the needle valves on the carb per the manual. Tried reviving the mag myself too but never had any luck getting any spark so I splurged for a "new" professionally rebuilt mag which I then installed per the manual also. The new mag is currently installed centered within the adjustment slots. That was good enough to get her to start even with just the hand crank only and drive her around the yard under her own power for the 1st time in over 10 years. Boy, was that ever a thrill!!! NOW, I'm planning to do a little fine tuning the next time I get her running BUT before I get to that, I thought it might be a good idea to ask for any input from those of you with more experience than myself in regards to just where I should start. Do I adjust timing with the mag adjustments first and then tune in the carb better OR vice versa OR doesn't it really matter which I do first?????? TIA folks.
	"My name is Lionel and I'm an Allisoholic"

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AaronSEIA Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: Mt Pleasant, IA Points: 2574	Post Options Post Reply Quote AaronSEIA Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 2022 at 6:06am
	I'd get the mag timed first. Just went through this with my WC. It'd start and run, but not very good. Mag was way off by a timing light. Got it firing when it should and it starts and runs so much better. AaronSEIA

steve(ill) Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: illinois Points: 88602	Post Options Post Reply Quote steve(ill) Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 2022 at 8:48am
	Good carb will not help if its timed wrong... Do the MAG first.
	Like them all, but love the "B"s.

LionelinKY Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Radcliff,KY Points: 695	Post Options Post Reply Quote LionelinKY Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 2022 at 3:49pm
	OK, kinda figured I needed to focus on spark timing first. So, I don't see any references to using a timing light in the original manual. Am I looking for the flywheel "F" mark centered in the bottom hole with the timing light while running or is there another mark I should be lining up with the timing light somewhere else??
	"My name is Lionel and I'm an Allisoholic"

steve(ill) Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: illinois Points: 88602	Post Options Post Reply Quote steve(ill) Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 2022 at 4:07pm
	YES... if you rotate by hand , you set the mag to SNAP at TDC... once the motor starts, the weights fly out and overcome the springs in the IMPULSE and the timing is then set to FIRE at the FIRE mark... Depending on the MAG / Tractor you have, that is normally 25 or 30 degrees BTDC (FIRE).
	Like them all, but love the "B"s.