1949 Hudson Commodore 6 - I think I have a timing issue

[Deleted User]

So, last Fall my 6 starting running like crap. I knew the points were in need of replacing and the carb really needed a rebuild so I just completed both of them. However, the car still is running like garbage. It idles and accelerates weakly and rough. It's not missing. So I'm thinking I may have a timing chain and/or gear problem. Can you guys give me some opinions? If it is the gear and chain what does that process look like to change them out. I'm sure Dr. Doug will have the parts. I'm on a mission as my son wants to use it for prom in 2 weeks. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks! Rick

Park_W

You have some of the classic symptims of a jumped timing chain. Pls confirm whether it's a stepdown6 or a splasher.

[Deleted User]

Stepdown 6. Commodore.

J Spencer

Have you checked initial timing or tried to advance timing some to see if it helps. Check the mechanical advance in the distributor, if it is seized it can account for sluggish acceleration. Just thinking. It could be 'jumped' timing but in my years experience as a mechanic 99% of the time they won't run. I also understand that on the 6's the timing gear that drives the distributor can wear out causing a timing issue and poor running engine.

Jim Spencer
WNY/Ontario Chapter

[Deleted User]

J Spencer. That sounds like a good place to start. I'll start with timing, and then pull the distributor to see what the gear looks like.

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

Rick,this may be an outside chance but the 48 and 49 Hudsons had a problem with the distributor gear chewing up the integral gear on the cam. If your timing problems don't go away after checking the belt and sprockets you may want to look at the distributor gear and /or the gear on the camshaft.Good luck in any event.

TwinH

Hook a vacuum gauge to the intake manifold and tell us what you see there.

Jon B

Of course, you tried a new condenser when you changed the points. Right?

Uncle Josh

I had added a return spring that prevented the throttle from opening fully, so check that too.

[Deleted User]

Good ideas guys. This is a great forum. I'm taking the afternoon off tomorrow to work on the car. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again.

[Deleted User]

Jon B. Yes I sure did. Got it from Dr. Doug.

[Deleted User]

After rebuilding the carb and putting in new points/condenser, I decided to recheck the spark plugs that I had just put in last summer. They were black and dirty. The carb and bad points apparently killed them. I put a new set in and gapped them per my manual. It's running a lot better now. It still seems to miss a bit until it gets warmed up. Any thoughts?