Total timing

76F100guy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 11:30 AM

Just checked mine with a dialback light. 14 degrees intial, 30 degrees total, all in by around 2,000 rpm. Vacuum gives it another 9 degrees, also all in around 2,000 rpm. Runs well, but always looking for more

. Suggestions / comments?

santaak · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 02:28 PM

Hello; I will be of no help to you, but maybe you can help me. I have a 1978 F150, 300 6. This is my first 6. The truck is old and has been abused. I am trying to set the timing. The timing marks are nowhere to be seen with the timing light. I have hand cranked the engine until # 1 is at TDC and the timing marks are not anywhere close. I have heard that the harmonic balancer can slip? The truck runs but not well. I have it as close to what I think is right and I can drive it and it seems to do better on the highway. Any ideas????
Thanks

76F100guy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santaak

Hello; I will be of no help to you, but maybe you can help me. I have a 1978 F150, 300 6. This is my first 6. The truck is old and has been abused. I am trying to set the timing. The timing marks are nowhere to be seen with the timing light. I have hand cranked the engine until # 1 is at TDC and the timing marks are not anywhere close. I have heard that the harmonic balancer can slip? The truck runs but not well. I have it as close to what I think is right and I can drive it and it seems to do better on the highway. Any ideas????
Thanks

You want to make sure you're using the marks on the sawtooth gauge (right side of engine), and not the marks on the timing gear cover. Also, there are two "TDC" marks on the damper; if one doesn't line up roughly where the timing should be, look for the other one.

santaak · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 06:24 PM

Thanks! I will check for the second timing mark and let you know. Please explain a dial back timing light.
Thanks again.

76F100guy · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 07:32 PM

A dialback light has a knob (analog) or buttons (digital) that allow you to "dial back" the advance curve as the engine revs. It doesn't do anything special for intial timing.

santaak · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the info. I have never seen a dialback timing light. Thanks also for the info on the second timing mark! I found it and it worked out fine.
Thanks again.

76F100guy · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 11:39 PM

No problem. Glad it worked out!