Timing Question
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Lake Butler Fl
Timing Question
Whats the advantages and disadvantages to setting the timing to 14 BTDC instead of 10? I have a 89 f150 with the 5.0. Ive read of people doing this and want to know. When I set the timing I pull the spout, set the timing, then put the spout back in, correct? Thanks for any and all help guys.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
Ford had the base timing set back in order for the engine to pass emissions. By bumping up the timing you are allowing the engine to work closer to it's full potential. By working more efficiently the engine produces a little more power, but the other side effect is gaining some MPGs if you keep your foot out of the throttle.
It was the government mandate to lower emissions that forced the OEM, Ford in this case, to retard the timing in order to pass the sniffer tests.
It was the government mandate to lower emissions that forced the OEM, Ford in this case, to retard the timing in order to pass the sniffer tests.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
14 is numerically higher than 10 correct? Therefore, yes I am saying bump the timing to 14. Be aware, depending on the quality of fuel in your area and other factors, your engine could "ping" with more advanced timing. If you hear pinging, back down the timing a degree or two until it stops. Some have stated they are running in the 15-16 degree range with no problems. Everyone's results will vary....
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Lake Butler Fl
i know i was just making sure... yea this morning my truck had no power on the take off, (because i had to change out my t-stat so i rotated my dist to get to the bolts easier.) well when i fired it up i went to drive and had no power so i looked at my mark i made on the dist and relized i was off. so i rotated it back a lil bit clockwise to back to mark and it runs fine. which way do i turn the dist to retard the timing to 14 BTDC
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Rusty, Maine
From 10 to 14 BTDC will be advancing your timing ...and that's what you want. By the sounds of it, you had it retarded. You'll need to rotate clockwise to advance more.
Timing light is highly recommend. Lol
Timing light is highly recommend. Lol
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 219
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From: Cheshire Massachusetts
anyone have some info on how to set timing...never done it before. I bought a timing light and I understand the concept, but I am not quite sure where the timing marks are and how you tell the # of degrees you are advanced. My gun does not have the adjustment **** fyi.
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Fleet Owner
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From: Cheshire Massachusetts
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