Ignition timing
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: West Chester PA
Ignition timing
I have a 94 explorer with a 4.0L. Anyone know how to set the timing on one of these? The hayes manual that I have says that the computer controls the timing, but there has to be a way to set it manually. Any help is appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
Ignition timing
The manuals I got for my 94 Ranger 4.0L make the same claim regarding timing. However, I have a suspicion that the crank position sensor can be moved, allowing you to change timing. I just haven't proven it is all since there is no real need to alter the timing. Also, there is a jumper in the wiring harness that, when removed, backs the timing off by 2 degrees. But once again, there should not be a need to do that either under normal circumstances.
Are you experiencing the infamous pinging problem? If so, there is a TSB out covering it and it applies to your rig. I posted the entire contents of it along with the URL in the Ranger forum back in Feb of this year.
Are you experiencing the infamous pinging problem? If so, there is a TSB out covering it and it applies to your rig. I posted the entire contents of it along with the URL in the Ranger forum back in Feb of this year.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; May 22, 2003 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: West Chester PA
Ignition timing
Yep. Its pinging, and I did try to de-carbon the engine, but I only tried once. I'm having a mechanic (neighbor of mine) go over it this week to make sure that there are no engine codes. Thanks for the help!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Durham, NC
Ignition timing
You might want to try cleaning your MAF sensor. Your vintage
4.0L was also famous for the lower intake to get loose. If this
happens, you might notice some coolant, or oil loss that you
can't explain.....
Oh, the timing IS NOT adjustable. The only way to change the
timing is to change the PROM in the PCM that contains the timing
and mixture tables......
4.0L was also famous for the lower intake to get loose. If this
happens, you might notice some coolant, or oil loss that you
can't explain.....
Oh, the timing IS NOT adjustable. The only way to change the
timing is to change the PROM in the PCM that contains the timing
and mixture tables......
Last edited by Bob Ayers; May 24, 2003 at 05:02 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Ignition timing
Do note that the TSB calls for three cleanings done in succession. Put lots of newspapers under the tailpipe or park on dirt as the crud is gonna flow. Three cans of cleaner from Ford runs about $20 and you will need a new set of plugs when you're done. It is very true that Ford has had this carbon problems in our "vintage" engines for some time; perhaps that's why the TSB covers motors up to and including 2000 model year. Pretty ancient I guess.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Ignition timing
Bob is right on. I had that stupid pinging problem with my 94. Since I worked at a Ford dealership we tried all the "Ford Fixes" and the only thing that repaired it was cleaning the MASS AIR SENSOR. I removed it and found that the thermistor inside was coverdd with oily dirt, cleaned it off and NO PING.
as for the timing, there is a timing adjustment. there is a grey plug by the air box that will advance the timing two degrees. this is the only adjustment available.
Try the mass air cleaning and see what it does first. it worked for me and I replaced the grey plug and still no ping.
as for the timing, there is a timing adjustment. there is a grey plug by the air box that will advance the timing two degrees. this is the only adjustment available.
Try the mass air cleaning and see what it does first. it worked for me and I replaced the grey plug and still no ping.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Durham, NC
Ignition timing
Originally posted by CowboyBilly9Mile
Do note that the TSB calls for three cleanings done in succession. Put lots of newspapers under the tailpipe or park on dirt as the crud is gonna flow. Three cans of cleaner from Ford runs about $20 and you will need a new set of plugs when you're done. It is very true that Ford has had this carbon problems in our "vintage" engines for some time; perhaps that's why the TSB covers motors up to and including 2000 model year. Pretty ancient I guess.
Do note that the TSB calls for three cleanings done in succession. Put lots of newspapers under the tailpipe or park on dirt as the crud is gonna flow. Three cans of cleaner from Ford runs about $20 and you will need a new set of plugs when you're done. It is very true that Ford has had this carbon problems in our "vintage" engines for some time; perhaps that's why the TSB covers motors up to and including 2000 model year. Pretty ancient I guess.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Ignition timing
I have not seen this cleaning cause any troubles with the cats. I would still try the mas air first and if that doesn't work pull the grey plug to change the timing two degrees.
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