The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

To start with the cross bolt holding the coupling on the keyed shaft coming from the timing cover was a little loose. This loose bolt contributed to allowing this half of the coupling to work back and forth, wearing the key slot wider. The coupling pad was ok, maybe only contributing a few degrees of wear. But the piece with adjustment bolt slots was damaged as well and wouldn’t hold in the right place. Altogether the timing was about 40 degrees late.

That must mean the clamp bolt came loose and needed tightening long before the issue started. 40º is a lot, no wonder it didn't want to start.
Sandy