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Old Mar 30, 2003 | 10:17 AM
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Total Timing

Greetings Fellow Ford Lovers,
I need help with an ignition problem I can't figure out.
The system is TFI-IV on a 84 300 six. I can't get the system to advance when RPM's are increased. I've replaced the distributor, Ign. module mounted to the distributor, checked continuity on the SPOUT wire, as well as replace the map sensor and "brain box" The electric feed back solenoid is no longer available so I picked one up at the salvage yard. ( not sure how to test or if this would cause the problem) The TPS was tested and showed to be functioning. The engine starts and idles fine and cold starts are perfect. I have the timing pulled up just to make some what drivable.
Any ideas or solutions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx,
Dan
 
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Old Mar 30, 2003 | 01:38 PM
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Read the section in the Haynes manual on diagnosing the ignition system - it's very thorough.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2003 | 07:41 PM
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did you know that the timing is non adjustable on the 86 tfi set up? you can do initial timing only. remove the spout connector on the left side of the motor. it's by the distributor. set your timing to 10 deg. btc and reconnect the wire. that system in my opinion isn't a good one. I'm currently replacing it with the points set up. I don't recommend this if you have never done it before. my tfi is a living nightmare. good luck. remember any adjustments must be done with the spout connector disconnected.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2003 | 12:11 AM
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Total Timing

He might have an early EECIV system. If it is EECIV (look on the sticker) he might be able to pull some codes to see what 's going on.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 05:48 PM
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Total Timing

Thanx Everyone, for all the help with my problem. As my luck would have it, turns out the outer ring on the damper on this old "6" has slipped causing the timing marks to be off. I have the timing set who knows where, but the power is back and it doesn't ping or run on. maybe in the mean time I'll keep an eye out for on old point system and definately a new damper.
Thanx again for your replies,
dan
 
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Old Apr 4, 2003 | 11:11 PM
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Just find #1 TDC and put a new mark on your harmonic balancer. I find a drinking straw in the spark plug hole to be pretty effective & safe.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2003 | 10:51 PM
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You can set the timing with a vacuum gage. Connect a gage to a vacuum port, loosen the dist. bolt, Start the engine. As you move the Dist. at some point the vacuum will drop on each end. The highest point is where is should be or if the high point is wide. Set it in the middle of the high point! This should be very close. Also this method can be used to identify a slipped balancer.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2003 | 11:19 PM
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Ok, let me get this straight- you guys are dumping electronics in favor of POINTS? There was a reason that ALL manufacturers went to electronic in the 70's. I think that after the first time you change the points and condensor, you will wish you had the old system back. Why not run a DSII module with a TFI coil, and a GM module mounted on the fenderwell? Seems to work pretty good. Or just use a DUI system from www.performancedistributors.com

(edit)- I forgot to mention this, in regards to the original question, did you check the TPS? If that or the Map sensor goes out, the computer locks out the adjustments. Remember, this engine had all the sensors a later EFI engine had, minus the knock sensor, just no EFI.
 

Last edited by Ford_Six; Apr 5, 2003 at 11:21 PM.
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Old Apr 6, 2003 | 12:02 AM
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Originally posted by Ford_SIX
Ok, let me get this straight
I don't see any mention of downgrading the ignition system in any of those posts. Just various ways of setting base timing.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2003 | 12:24 AM
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Originally posted by dt466s
that system in my opinion isn't a good one. I'm currently replacing it with the points set up.
I wasn't directing that at dan25425, although he mentioned in his latest post about looking for an old points system. I just can't imagine why anybody would want to run points when there are so many better options out there.
 
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