Hudson 1938 Terraplane, Owner'S Manual

Page: 44 / 82

Proper engine performance and valve life depend on adjustments being made
accurately and according to specifications.
Valve tappet adjustment can be facilitated by removing the right front wheel and
fender dust shield.
Valve Timing
The valve timing is determined by the meshing of the crankshaft and camshaft
gears. The tooth of the crankshaft gear with the punch-mark on the front face should
mesh between the two punch-marked teeth of the camshaft gear.
Distributor
The distributor, Figure 35, mounted on
the right side of the engine, is of the full
automatic advance type, employing a sin-
gle six-lobe cam and single breaker arm. A
graduated advance plate (E), Figure 35, is
provided to permit manual adjustment of
distributor to provide for variation in oc-
tane rating of fuels to prevent detonation.
(See "Fuel Compensation," page 44.)
Breaker Points
The breaker points should be adjusted to
a .020" maximum opening. The points
should be clean and set squarely on each
other. Should the points become pitted, it
is necessary to remove them and grind
smooth or replace with new ones. The
grinding should be done in a special machine to insure proper seating. This operation
can be performed by an Authorized Hudson Service Station.
Filing or honing of the points will remove oxidization from the points but, due to
the hardness of the tungsten alloy used, this method is not practical for removing deep
pits.
Breaker Point Adjustment
Crank engine by hand until the fibre block (A), Figure 35, of the breaker arm is on
the highest point of the cam. The gap between the breaker points should be exactly
.020", measured with a feeler gauge.
If adjustment of the gap is required, loosen lock nut (B) and turn adjusting screw
(C) until the proper gap is obtained. Tighten lock nut (B) and recheck the gap.
42 H U D S O N T E R R A P L A N E
Figure 35