Adjusting Timing
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: North East Arkansas
Adjusting Timing
1983 Ford F100 302 What is the trick? How do you adjust the timing with light when you can't see the damper because of alternator, water pump, power steering pump, hoses, etc...
I've tried using a mirror, to no avail.
I've tried using a mirror, to no avail.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Orlando area
Usually the engineers wil leave a path through the mess of belts and hoses to see the marks. Since that didn't happen on your truck, perhaps you could remove the offending belts and rotate alternator out of the way then start engine set the timing, shut off engine, and reconnect everything.
Another possibility is to create a new timing pointer (assuming there is a spot - like under the truck where you can see the harmonic balancer. You then remove (belts hoses, etc.) whatever you need to to see the factory marks. Roll the engine around until the factory mark is at TDC. Next buy a roll of timing tape Timing Tape - V8 Engine Type - SummitRacing.com (the P/N for the tape is specific to the diameter of the harmonic balancer) and create a new pointer on the bottom of the engine where you can see it. Put the timing tape on the harmonic balancer so the TDC on the tape aligns with you new pointer. Reassemble the top side, start engine, and set timing (you may want someone on top turning distributor while you watch from below - or just plan to get a workout.
Another possibility is to create a new timing pointer (assuming there is a spot - like under the truck where you can see the harmonic balancer. You then remove (belts hoses, etc.) whatever you need to to see the factory marks. Roll the engine around until the factory mark is at TDC. Next buy a roll of timing tape Timing Tape - V8 Engine Type - SummitRacing.com (the P/N for the tape is specific to the diameter of the harmonic balancer) and create a new pointer on the bottom of the engine where you can see it. Put the timing tape on the harmonic balancer so the TDC on the tape aligns with you new pointer. Reassemble the top side, start engine, and set timing (you may want someone on top turning distributor while you watch from below - or just plan to get a workout.
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From: Virginia
Get under the truck and clean the damper off. Find the mark(turn the engine by hand if you have to) and then get some white out and mark the proper place the spec calls for. You can usually see the whiteout from the top.
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From: North East Arkansas
I did clean and mark it with chalk. I was able to finally see it from the top by holding the radiator hose to the side. I got it timed finally. Another problem occuring is when I hook the vacuum line back to the distributor the RPM's go up and when I drop it into gear it hits hard. If I adjust the idle down in park or nuetral it wants to stall in gear. Any thoughts on this?
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From: Missouri
I found it pretty annoying too, first I had to clean the balancer so I could actually read the marks. Then I had to find the right angle to point the timing light and another angle to view the marks. I was able to set the timing, however I do not have a smog pump mounted in the way..
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From: Chico,CA.
As far as the vacuum advance goes, those are usually connected to a ported source above the throttle plate meaning there is no vacuum present until the throttle is opened slightly. It sounds like you might be hooked to a manifold vac. source, which will cause what you describe. Check your plumbing.
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Junior User
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From: North East Arkansas
You are right again Guys. It is hooked to the manifold. I am loving this site. I am really enjoying working on the truck with my Son and learning together. Your advice makes it possible. Thanks again.
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