Pertronix ignition and static timing

[Dave Russell]

KB,
I think that I mis-understood you. I thought that you were saying that one of the cotters was missing. Now I understand that you mean just the spring clip that goes around the two cotters. If so, no particular problem as Tom says. Sorry for the confusion.
D

 

[Tom Bedenbaugh]

Boy Dave, It would take about two strokes of the crank and he would have had a VERY serious starting problem if that was the case.

 

[klutterbutt]

Dave, I thought as much too. I'm not even going to attempt setting the timing until I get the Cotter Clip back in place. Where the heck did it the clip go? It's not any place to be found. I drained the oil through a strainer and then pulled the pan. It's not in the bottom. It's not cought in any of the valve springs and I can't see it along side any of the push rods. I test drove the car several times before buying it. I drove it 50 miles to my home and I've driven around the neighborhood several times--giving rides to friends. I think it was missing all along. How has it managed to stay together?

BTW Dave, all the Cotter Clips slide on and off with very little effort (?).

The Cotters themselves would require a spring compressor to remove.

Gary, thanks for the offer but I'm placing a small order with VB tomorrow and hopefully they'll have one in stock. If not, I'll work something out with you.

I hate having both cars out of service at the same time---the only good thing is that it's been too hot to drive around anyway. In the shade on my patio yesterday it was 109 degrees--and that was at about 1:30pm. I didn't go back out later to see if it was any hotter.

Thanks to everyone for offering up advise and suggestions.