When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just finished doing a full tune-up on my brother in-laws '93 F150 4x4 5.0L. I was successful until it came to checking the timing. After following all of the correct procedures including: cleaning and marking the TDC mark, identifing the the timing tab, brought the engine up to operating temp, turned off and removed the SPOUT jumper, hooked up the timing light to #1 cyl (of course).
Started engine and attempted to check the timing. I could not locate the the timing mark. I lossened the dist. and adjusted it both ways and still no mark. I eventually climbed underneath with the timing light and to my suprise there it was flashing away. It seemed to be about 90 degrees out.
The engine runs fine and always has. I've done many tune-ups but have never ran across anything like this before. Am I doing something wrong? Could the timing light be faulty? (I'm going to try another timing light when I get a chance)
Also, if your adujusting the timing to TDC the timing for the truck will be off. I believe that the timing should be at 10deg BTC. Sorry if this is the way you are doing it, I just noticed that you said that you marked the TDC mark. Also, make sure you have the light on the number one plug wire.
I just came across this topic and have been wanting to check the timing on my '93 F150. I was stopped dead in my tracks when I came to the 'Disconnect Spout Connector" statement. What the heck is the 'spout' connector and where is it??? Never heard of that before and my aftermarket <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">shop manual</a> doesn't tell me anything about it.
Both the <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">sticker</a> on the hood as well as the procedure in the Haynes manual describe the SPOUT (Spark Out) connector/jumper. I believe it's same as disconnecting any timing advance whether vacuum or electronic.
Older ignition systems used vacuum for timing advance during acceleration the newer systems are electronic/computer controlled.
Grayghost is correct. Unplugging the Spout connector simply takes the effects of spark advance by the computer out of the picture. Unplugging this will allow you to set your initial timing accurately. The Spout is simply a jumper plug (grey) and on my 89 is located on the wiring harness next to the distributor. Other locations may be on the harness closer to the firewall. It can be a bugger to find sometimes due to Ford putting it in different spots. After setting the timing make sure you take it out of your pocket and put it back!