Decided to bump the timing up a tad, and I'm noticing everyone says unplug the SPOUT connector.

My question is: Do I unplug the SPOUT connector Before I turn the truck on, or while it's running? Also When it's unplugged and I bump the timing, do I plug it back in THEN turn the truck off? Or wait till it's off then plug it back in?
Thanks in advance!

 

Unplug-turn on-adjust-tighten dist-turn off- plug in.

 

Gotcha, thanks, much appreciated.

 

planehunter's method is what most people do. Some people will start the truck and unplug it only long enough to adjust the base timing, then immediately plug it back in with the truck running. Reason being is that unplugging it can trigger a trouble code and then the computer thinks something is wrong when it isn't.

 

Thats how I do it. Crank truck,unplug spout, adjust timing, plug spout back in, then truck truck off or drive.

Both ways are fine though.

 

You plug it back in after setting the timing to check to see if the timing is advancing before un-hooking the timing light.
That way you will know if the SPOUT shorting bar is making contact.

 

I know, I know, i'm digging up an old thread. But it's better than starting a whole thread for a simple question. Here's the simple question.

I've tried to advance my timing two separate times now but both times I ran into a problem with the spout connector. If I start the truck and pull it while it's running the truck dies immediately. If I pull it and then start the truck the truck just cranks and cranks but won't start. Is the problem with me or with the truck?

 

The problem is with the truck.
Not saying you have a problem with your computer but others have fixed this problem by replacing the computer.
But first I would check your start wire from the TFI module (ICM) to the starter solenoid. Then I would replace the TFI module (ICM) and then if needed the computer.

 

Well that's not the simple answer I was hoping for

Are there any other known issues when it's acting up like that, is it just that I can't adjust the timing or are there other problems?