Yet another slow cranking question

[Simon Whittley]

Question - can badly adjusted ignition timing cause slow cranking? I adjusted my valve clearances, tested the engine and all good, running like a dream. I know my battery and starter are good. I changed the oil, cleaned my points and plugs and adjusted the gaps and now it is cranking slowly and running pretty rough. I've not done the ignition timing yet, ran out of weekend, but just wondering if badly adjusted ignition timing could cause slow cranking? 1959 356A on 6 Volt.

[David Jones]

Highly unlikely but possible if your ignition is too far advanced.

[Wes Bender]

You might have affected the timing when you cleaned the points. Always check timing after touching the points. Did you have the battery load tested? If it is good, your starter bushing might be worn.

[Martin Benade]

You could pull out the coil wire and see if it cranks faster with no spark. You’ll have your answer.

[Simon Whittley]

Thanks for the replies. Will try with the coil wire pulled and see how it cranks with that.

[Richard Westlake]

Yesterday I spun over my spare engine that I put together this winter. I had the starter rebuilt by a small auto electric shop in New Bedford, MA. I gave it a workout as my goal was to see oil pressure, which came up after fifteen seconds or so. I have no affiliation with the shop, but I am very impressed with the people and the outcome. If needed, I am happy to share their contact information.
Rich W.
(6 v; plugs installed; clean grounds; new bushing; 1 y.o. flooded battery)

[Andy Stephenson]

Simon, Did you verify all plug wires are connected correctly?