I NEED help
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Burlington
I NEED help
Alright guys, I just bought an 88' F150 4x4 4.9(300) 5 speed and I messed it up pretty bad. When I bought it it had a timing issue, when I looked at the wires on the distributor I thought they were in the wrong place so I took them off to put them in the right spots, I looked in my chiltons manual and found the firing order. Well not she won't start, she seems like she wants to turn but then she backfires. My dad says that she is out of time and that I need to set it but I can't find any place that tells me how to time the distributor. I'm at a loss and need some help please
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Why don't you just put the wires back how they were? Maybe somebody changed the cam at one time and changed the firing order.
You're aware that the rotor turns counter-clockwise, right?
If it is still factory, the ignition timing is controlled by the computer, about the only thing you can do is disconnect the SPOUT connector and set the initial timing (to around 10° IIRC) and the computer handles everything from there.
You're aware that the rotor turns counter-clockwise, right?
If it is still factory, the ignition timing is controlled by the computer, about the only thing you can do is disconnect the SPOUT connector and set the initial timing (to around 10° IIRC) and the computer handles everything from there.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: South Carolina
Spend some more time with the firing order. You more than likely have the wires out of order - can't tell you how many people do this. Don't adjust anything else until you've corrected the firing order, and it runs like it did before you removed anything. Study the book carefully, set the engine to TDC, and make sure you start with # 1 wire on the distributor cap tower where the rotor is pointing.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
According to what I've found on the 'net, the dizzy in these engines turns clockwise as the Haynes manual apparently says.
1-5-3-6-2-4
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
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From: South Dakota
Alright guys, I just bought an 88' F150 4x4 4.9(300) 5 speed and I messed it up pretty bad. When I bought it it had a timing issue, when I looked at the wires on the distributor I thought they were in the wrong place so I took them off to put them in the right spots, I looked in my chiltons manual and found the firing order.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: South Dakota
To 79 half-ton: The sketch that ctubutis posted under NO.6 is correct for 87 and later engines. ie the relation of the clips or hold down screws in relation to the plug wire numbers. Just in case your Chiltons manual shows different.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Burlington
I can't thank you guys enough for the help, I just picked up the manual since I just bought the truck and it is the same as ctubutis post, I'm used to v8 as well I also have a 79 f150 with a 351 and that's hat I am used to. But after working all day on it my dad and I got her running. Thanks again guys
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 559
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From: South Carolina
One more thing for this topic - if you have the gray distributor cap, do yourself a favor and mark the towers with a black permanent marker. If you ever need to remove the wires again, it makes your life so simple!
I also mark the distributor to block orientation with the marker, but mine is recently clean and resealed - oily engines may not get away with that!
I also mark the distributor to block orientation with the marker, but mine is recently clean and resealed - oily engines may not get away with that!
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