I know there are a lot of threads about timing but they are all over the map.
the specs for a 7.3 idit say 8.5 +-2. Some say 8.5 is best. One says that since the low sulpher diesel came out, 9.5 is best. One says 7-7.5 is best.

I recently changed my worn out IP and injectors and don't seem to see any difference in power or MPG.

Has anyone tried different settings to find the best fuel economy or power using the pulse method?

 

Yup I've had mine from 7-11 And to be honest the only thing I noticed up high was more black smoke.. Power and economy seemed the same throughout, I just stuck with 8.5...

 

i have tried 10.5 then 9.5 then 8.5 then 7
7 BTDC pulse method seems like the best.i can feel it has more nuts than when more advanced.it's easy to feel.the economy went right up nicely too even though i maxed out my ip at the same time!
you can see some changes iv gone through over time here:
1993 ford F250HD DUALLY CONVERSION Gas Mileage (chipper truck) - EcoModder.com

unfortunately,it's all been the first 3 + years of modding/upgrading the truck.so as you can see,lots of other things change as well, not just timing.
im finally getting this SOB setup lol so from here on out will be smaller tweaks.
im never going to be a good example though as my driving routes and loads are constantly different.but at least its some sort of record to help.

next test will be 6 BTDC.

 

Like F250 said 6.5-8 seems to be the sweet spot. Really depends on your setup, where you live, engine condition etc.

 

I appreciate the help. I am presently at 9.5. I guess tomorrow afternoon, I start changing it a little at a time and see what's best.

 

I just did new IP and injectors. I have about given up on messing with it. Mine black smoked no matter where it was timed. I opened it up and backed off the fuel about one flat. The smoke went away except for when I initially stab it but it;s hard to see even then. Don't ask me why or how but it felt better with less fuel. This is not purely mental because now it spins the tires 6-7 feet when I stab it from a stop. Never did before. Now I will advance/retard the timing to achieve the best economy. I don't work this truck hard. It really only sees DD duty but I like it so MPG are king with me.

 

119er, This is uncommon, these trucks are not known for black smoke. Both of my trucks are at about 8 and I can only get black smoke at WOT, and that is minimal. sounds like something is not as it should be. Was your pump a stock rebuild? Black smoke is wasted fuel, so if MPG's are your goal, you need to eliminate it.

 

Went 7.5 and got 15 MPG. Moved it to 10.1 and am getting at least 17 (some city driving with mostly highway).

The question is, at 10.1, I get some black smoke when I gun it in the driveway, but on the highway and floor it, I get very little, almost unnoticeable.

Some say over 10 will cause glow plug failure. Anyone have any ideas on that?

BTW, I am running a E4OD (according to Ford a 4R100) with 4.10 rear end 2wd.

 

I just remembered something. When I changed the IP, the shop did not have a 2069. They gave me a 2070 and said the only difference was an automatic or manual. The only noticeable difference was that I had to remove a pin on the throttle shaft to install the TPS.

Is there any difference in the two pumps as far as fuel or torque setting?

 

This is the best info I can give...

Generally it goes like this... The more timing you give it, the better the top end, but the less low end you get...

However, there is a big variable if you are turboed... and that is the size of your turbo itself...

The bigger the turbo (We can even split hairs from here) the more retarded timing you will have to run to get the ***** you want...

With my S362, I saw the best power at 6* BTDC on the dyno, and I was adamant about that timing setup, until I drove and tuned a fellow members truck with an HX35, and it was a dog at 6* compared to 8*+.... It all has to do with the exhaust side of the turbo and how drive pressure has an effect on the wheel...

The best thing you can do, is to just feel it out... Adjust your timing until it has the best drivability, best all around power, don't be afraid to retard it... That's of course if you don't have access to a dyno, that will give you the info you need... I gained 20whp just from tuning timing alone on the dyno, back when I had my turbo cal...

That is the simplistic way of course... There are a lot of things that change the characteristics of an engine... Injector spray duration can determine a lot of things depending on pop pressure, and the duration determines what static timing the setup will work best at... tuning tuning tuning... That's all I got to say... If you don't have the patience for it, don't worry about the platitudes, just run it how it feels...

 

Confusing. Why is there no difference in timing spec on a turbo and an NA?

Also, I thought the 7.3 with a turbo has more power.