how do you advance the timing on an f-150 with a 302? is it as simple as loosing up a bolt on the distributer and turning it a little? should i just take it to a mechanic to get this advanced? how much would a mechanic normally charge for something like this?

also my oil gauge seems to be sticking.....any ideas to get it loosened up? it normally reads about right in the middle but now it reads on the left side of the "n" in normal it looks like it wants to go to its halfway point but something seems to be making it stuck. any help is appreciated!

 

That's all it takes to set the timing, but on an EFI it should always be at 10°BTDC. Read the emissions sticker in the engine compartment and follow the instructions there. You'll need a timing light.

The oil gauge is probably a result of corrosion on the instrument cluster terminals. Pull it and clean them with VERY fine emery paper.

 

Theres nothing wrong with advancing your timing past 10 degrees but be carefull not to get any detonation. I've got my 302 at 14 dergrees but thats along with headers a cam no cats and a K&N. I'm still speed density for now it runs a little rich since the cam so I think thats why I'm getting away with that much advance.

 

actually, there is another step you must do or your timing will get screwed up. First you need to loosten the little screw, then pull the spout connector (grey). It is located near your distributor. Then make a mark using something with high visibility such as white chalk at about 14 advanced on your damper. Now start the truck and let it idle down. Turn the distributor and use or timing gun to get it were you want. Put everything back together and your done.

 

I've gotten to the point where I don't use a timing light anymore. I'll advance it a little bit (with the spout still plugged in), drive for a bit, then advance it some more if it's not pinging. I repeat that until I hear it start to ping, then I back the timing off just enough so that the pinging goes away. I checked this with a light one time, and best I could tell, it was around 12 degrees or so (with the spout unplugged).