The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Problems with 235.

Hello from England.

I have a 61 apache with a 235 in it. It used to run really nice, but recently has developed a big problem. Before, it ran with a good, clear exhaust tone - now it sounds like it is not just mis-firing, but that the "spark" is all over the place. I initially thought it was the condenser/coil breaking down - I replaced the points etc. with an electronic ignition and also replaced the coil...... no change at all. I set the crank to the "ball" on no.1 compression, and moved the distributor to the point that it made a spark at the plug - it will hardly run at all. I also replaced the carb to see if that made any difference - not at all!

Is there a chance that the timing chain has slipped????? Is this something that happens to a 235?????

Is there any other way I can check to make sure the timing is correct??

Please let me know,

Thank you.

Laine

Laine, the 235 doesn't have a timing chain, it's gear driven. Did you change the dist. cap, rotor? Check the ignition wires they get old and break down to. If it's misfiring the cap could have a crack in it, the wires could bedamaged ( some wires are not real wire ). I then would start the engine and play with the timing, advancing it slowly and see what happens.

You have timing gears,no chain. It is possible something could be broke with them, but I would make sure the distributor is working properly first. Check for points wear or looseness. If they check out ok, it's possible the distributor mount is loose.Check that. Lastly,if necessary, pull the distributor and check for shaft wooble and shaft cam gear for damage. it might be timr for a rebuild or replacement of it.

I'd pull the #1 spark plug and get the motor on TDC, then take the distributor cap off and make sure the rotor is pointing at the #1 terminal in the cap. Then you'll know if your timing gears let go or if you need to look at other stuff.

Sounds like the timing is slow. Setting it with out running is just preliminary. Use a timing light & set it sveral degrees beyond the ball. If not move it up a bit &b try it. Set it where it runs the best.

The PO for my truck (with a 61 235) said that he had installed an electronic iginition on this and it did not run well at all. He called Patrick's and the first thing they told him was to get rid of the electronics and go bad to the original system which he did and it just purred. Any continues to.

I have a Pertronix kit in my 56 235 and it works great and has for years. I'm sure it could cause a problem but condemning them all isn't right. Personally I'd be weary of anyone that made a statement like that and I sure wouldn't buy parts from them.
I think basic troubleshooting should find the problem pretty easily.

Follow the suggestions you got so far first. If you still have problems pull the distributor and check for excessive lateral movement in the shaft. Check the drive gear. Both that it is tightly pinned to the shaft and the teeth are in good shape.

Chuck

Run a ground wire from a distributor clip nut to a coil-mounting bolt (make sure wire contact surfaces are clean).

Also make sure that you have 12V going to the coil.

"Personally I'd be weary of anyone that made a statement like that and I sure wouldn't buy parts from them".

rue: taking a shot at someone having the stature of Patrick only cause's me to think your more than just a "new guy" here.

FYI Patrick is a highly respected person of genuine knowledge and as a supplier he is probably without equal.

Forum rules prohibit your type of comment.

I am sorry if my comments offended anyone. I passed on the comments from my PO regarding Patrick's only to be helpful since it was from a more-than-credible and respected source.
My own bias is to restore these old guys as they were originally designed and engineered and that is why I latched onto the view that the new electronic stuff doesn't always suit 60 year olds.
Except for my maybe pacemaker!

I once had a similar problem with random spark, I inspected my distributor and did find a loose drive gear
...click...
Picked up a new distributor at NAPA (They had on the shelf) and no further problems
235, pertronix



Good Luck

How old is the dizzy cap? I've had them go bad and act similar to your conditions...

Forum rules prohibit your type of comment.

Why?

I don't think my comments were out of line at all. Electronic ignition is a well proven technology. Condemning them all when someone has a problem they are trying to fix IMO is wrong no matter who you are.

I've never had any dealings with that guy or his company so I have no axe to grind there. Just making a comment.

kinda reminds you of the Inliners dont it?