Hi Experts - I have an '87 F-250 custom with a 302 ( 5.0L) engine. I am having trouble doing the ignition timing. When I set it to 10 deg. with the SPOUT removed, and then run in, it severly lacks power as if the timing were really retarded. When I put the timing to where it sounds best, it runs fine, but it is at about 20 or 25 degeres. My question is, what is the index marker that you use to do the timing ? Is it the straight metal piece ? or is it the round looking thing to the left of the straight metal piece ? Background: I busted the original vibration damper and bought one from the junk yard, is it possible that some 302 engines had different timing marks stamped on the damper ? I have done both KOEO and KOER diagnostics, and the only code I get is from the KOER and that is 44. the KOEO code is 11, which all is well.

Any thoughts woudl be appreciated.

thanks,

rick Mohlmann

 

I know what you are talking about my tdc is to the very right of the pointer on the flat edge actually my tdc is 1/4" to the right of the pointer. Where are you getting your initial reading from in relation to the pointer? The flat edge is where you should be getting the reading or at least that is basically where I am getting mine, lemme know what you come up with

 

I mentioned this in another section take a bit of white paint acrylic/ auto motive /house whatever and put it on your finger clean the marks on the damper then rub this over the marks few times until the color will stay in the numbers and marks and it will make reading it easier. Just a thought

 

Another good choice is white nail polish. Worked great for my timing mark.