If anyone can tell me how to or direct me towards an artical for adjusting this. The old man thinks you have to remove a wire and a vacuum line..but we cant find any direct info on it.
Any help is appreciated.

92' F150 5.0L

 

Assuming you have a timing light and know how to use it...

Attach timing light.
Loosen distributor retaining bolt and ensure the timing marks on the crank balancer are visible.
Start motor and let it settle into a steady idle.
Find the spout plug in the TFI harness* and remove it to disable computer ignition advance.
Point the light at the timing marks and rotate the distributor to the desired setting.
Snug the distributor retainer nut and ensure the timing hasn't moved, and then re-insert the spout plug and ensure computer timing advance is restored.
Shut off motor and disconnect timing light.

*The spout plug is a little grey jumper located in the TFI(ignition module) harness, which will be on the distributor if you have a distributor mounted module, or on the drivers side inner fender near the hood hinge if the truck has a remote TFI.

 

X2 for what Paul said. Ryan has some info with pics/drawings here: Fuel Injection Technical Library » Setting the timing

 

I would do the previous steps but then turn off the motor, remove the spout plug and then start the motor to check the timing. Was that wrong or can it be done both ways? (you had the motor running when you pulled this plug)

 

At the risk of not wanting to hijack your thread I had a couple of questions on this issue. I have read where some people set their timing a little higher at say 12 degrees or so. If I do this what are the pros and cons as far as mileage versus towing and such?

1994 F150 4.9L E40D

 

There is usually no issue with doing it either except that sometimes the motor is harder to get running with the advance disabled. There is no harm in removing the spout while the engine is running, it may set a code but clearing that is easy, so shutting it off to remove or replace it is just another unnecessary step.

 

Advancing the timing past the factory setting will produce more TQ and improve milage but it also increases the chances of detonation under load. Every motor is different so you'll have to experiment to see what yours will handle, try 2 deg more and then test it under various conditions to see if detonation is audible, and if not try another degree or 2 and test again. When you find the setting that produces audible detonation(pinging) under load then back it off to the previous setting.

 

I'm sorry one more question and I'll quit asking so as not to take over the thread. I still live in an area with emissions testing, Will this effect my emissions negatively?

 

It shouldnt affect your emmisions if you do it right, as in still having good combustion and no detonation. if you get spark to soon I think it causes incomplete burn which is bad for emmisions.

 

It should actually improve your emissions, as long as there is no pinging.

 

so how do you set the timing on a truck that the timing mark bounces all over the place if you dont mind answering? thought I better edit this. I have a 1994 4.9l 5 speed

 

The timing is "bouncing" around with the SPOUT removed?

 

I have been told I must be 180* out so now I am gonna set it the opposite cycle. I had set it on compressions stroke tdc so now I am gonna change it. I will tell ya what it does then. I did have the SPOUT out, yes.

 

Hello if someone could help me I have a 1996 Ford f150 with the 302 I would like to adjust my timing but I don't how to do it on this truck

 

You should have a connector called a SPOUT connector, you will need to find out where it is on your vehicle, a google search should help. Once you find it, warm up the motor completely, turn off the motor, unplug the spout, start the motor and check the timing. Turn off motor and replace SPOUT when done.

When you remove the SPOUT, that is your base timing, the computer isn't adjusting for timing at all. When the SPOUT is connected, it tells the computer to control timing. You won't be able to get an accurate timing reading with the SPOUT connected because the computer will constantly adjust the timing as needed.