need help im extremely frustrated
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need help im extremely frustrated
I have a 1984 F150 6 cylinder with issues. First off every time we get it running for a while it will somehow slip timing. Well today we tried to time it and got it to start and run but it has no power and the rpm was only hitting 1,000 with the pedal all the way to the floor, but when parked it will go up to 3,000 rpm when you rev it. It lags when you give it gas and it doesn't go as fast as it should be going. I know that it isn't timed completely but I suspect that there are several other problems if anyone can help me I would be extremely grateful. So much money has been dumped into it over the past few years whenever it acts up and im tired of putting money into it and it ends up not running for more than a couple months. Just today I went and got spark plugs because they were bad and fuel cleaner.
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From: Virginia
What procedure are you using to time it? Your truck probably has a computer, and I believe you need to disconnect the spout connector to time it. That takes the computer control away from it so you can time it with the light.
Most people get rid of this system and go with a older duraspark II ignition system. Maybe someday we will get all the late 80's 300 sixes converted to duraspark II. There are a lot of them out there, and a lot of posts about converting them.
Most people get rid of this system and go with a older duraspark II ignition system. Maybe someday we will get all the late 80's 300 sixes converted to duraspark II. There are a lot of them out there, and a lot of posts about converting them.
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Well right now we are just moving the distributer just to get it in the pall park and once we can we are going to use a timing light, because it wouldn't even start. The only reason we haven't used the timing light is because we aren't quite sure how to use it. I have family members who know but I don't have the time to ask them they live about a hour from us. My dad and brother work on vehicles all the time but ever since he was a kid dad never used a light to time a vehicle.
and thanks for your quick reply and help
and thanks for your quick reply and help
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I'd recommend not doing anything more until you become completely familiar with the factory procedure to set the timing. Timing lights are very easy to use...Just connect the positive and negative leads to the battery, the inductive pick up to the #1 spark plug wire and pull the trigger with the thing aimed at the balancer where the scale is at. It often helps to clean the balancer and pointer before hand, and even highlight the markings with a paint pen of something, all to make it easier to see. The first time you do this you'll see what's going on and it will make perfect sense.
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From: Flaherty, KY
How do you even know if you're in the ballpark by just spinning the distributor? I half agree that if you put it in the middle of its adjustment, it should at least start.. But it's entirely possible to adjust it too advanced or retarded such that it will run like crap, if it runs at all.
I agree, grab a timing light, the post above explains its use pretty clearly. Get one at Harbor Freight if you don't have a lot of money, they have an inexpensive one for about $25. While I wouldn't use it to earn a living, it's suited me just fine the once or twice a year that I have to set the timing on something. The light isn't as bright as a more expensive model, so I've had to mark the timing hash marks with a highlighter or something reflective.
I agree, grab a timing light, the post above explains its use pretty clearly. Get one at Harbor Freight if you don't have a lot of money, they have an inexpensive one for about $25. While I wouldn't use it to earn a living, it's suited me just fine the once or twice a year that I have to set the timing on something. The light isn't as bright as a more expensive model, so I've had to mark the timing hash marks with a highlighter or something reflective.
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From: Virginia
If you do not have a vacuum line running to your distributor, then you do have a computer controlling the timing, and you need to disconnect the spout connector and look at the radiator sticker for the correct timing value.
If a bunch of stuff has been disconnected on the engine, and you do still have the computer controlled distributor, it's a bad situation. It should run, but have poor power and fuel economy.
If a bunch of stuff has been disconnected on the engine, and you do still have the computer controlled distributor, it's a bad situation. It should run, but have poor power and fuel economy.
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I know i should use a timing light and we do have one but there are no instructions so if one of you all would mind posting a list of instructions i would be really grateful because I'm just not sure. I know that there are marks on it but i don't know where to look or what they exactly mean.
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From: Orlando area
Timing issues aside - it kinda sounds like you have a plugged exhaust. Do you catalytic converter on this truck? Get the timing set right first, then if you still can't rev up properly remove the O2 sensor to reduce backpressure (if it revs up now, you have a plugged up exhaust) or disconnect the exhaust before the Cat and/or mufflers - to test.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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