Setting 1985 460 DSII Timing
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
Setting 1985 460 DSII Timing
Apologies if this has been covered, but keyword search just isn't working for me to narrow the results to the info I'm trying to find.
The truck has generally been running ok, but since I've installed the Edelbrock I need to adjust it to get it running well. Before doing that I want to make sure the timing is right, but reading through the shop manual it seems it's a lot more complicated than what I'm used to.
Can I really not get it right by connecting a tachometer to the green wire coming from the coil, plug the distributor vacuum tube and set it?
If not, is there a guide somewhere that translates the shop manual? For instance, Step 2 references whether or not the ignition module is PN -12A244- or not, and I have no idea. There are no labels on mine.
The truck has generally been running ok, but since I've installed the Edelbrock I need to adjust it to get it running well. Before doing that I want to make sure the timing is right, but reading through the shop manual it seems it's a lot more complicated than what I'm used to.
Can I really not get it right by connecting a tachometer to the green wire coming from the coil, plug the distributor vacuum tube and set it?
If not, is there a guide somewhere that translates the shop manual? For instance, Step 2 references whether or not the ignition module is PN -12A244- or not, and I have no idea. There are no labels on mine.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I don't have the factory shop manual, I just set it as the emissions label states.
1) Engine at operating temperature.
2) Disconnect and plug vacuum line to advance.
3) Adjust idle speed. (depends on manual or auto)
4) Connect timing light and adjust distributor.
5) Reconnect vacuum and re-set idle speed with throttle stop.
I assume you have the conventional blue grommet DSII module, not the earlier red grommet one that controlled dwell?
1) Engine at operating temperature.
2) Disconnect and plug vacuum line to advance.
3) Adjust idle speed. (depends on manual or auto)
4) Connect timing light and adjust distributor.
5) Reconnect vacuum and re-set idle speed with throttle stop.
I assume you have the conventional blue grommet DSII module, not the earlier red grommet one that controlled dwell?
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
You need to include the year prefix and any engineering revision suffix to identify what they are talking about.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: hole in the wall,nebraska
jim may I help
I have used a vacuum guage to set timing and the carburetor ,
I do know "factory" settings are not optimal . while they do work if you don't have tools or a novice though
it is very simple , most manuals (most ,not all ) have a guide to it
or just look it up on the "net" "how to tune with a vacuum guage" they also have it on this forum
any comments Jim?
I have used a vacuum guage to set timing and the carburetor ,
I do know "factory" settings are not optimal . while they do work if you don't have tools or a novice though
it is very simple , most manuals (most ,not all ) have a guide to it
or just look it up on the "net" "how to tune with a vacuum guage" they also have it on this forum
any comments Jim?
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
Yeah, blue grommet.
I know various ways of setting timing. My real question was that the manual talks about disconnecting things and jumpering stuff, and I was just wondering if you really need to do that (other than the vacuum advance).
It doesn't sound like you do.
I know various ways of setting timing. My real question was that the manual talks about disconnecting things and jumpering stuff, and I was just wondering if you really need to do that (other than the vacuum advance).
It doesn't sound like you do.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: hole in the wall,nebraska
well,then the blue grommet
I would follow ArkWrknTrk's list
either use a vacuum gauge or if not use a tach ,and timing light
6-10 degrees BTDC minus 2 degrees if it pings under load
I would follow ArkWrknTrk's list
either use a vacuum gauge or if not use a tach ,and timing light
6-10 degrees BTDC minus 2 degrees if it pings under load
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
I don't know how you time a engine without a timing light. You can use other tools including the seat of the pants method to set the timing,, but you need a timing light before and after to see where you are at before you start, and where you end up when you are done. You can then write down or have in the memory banks the timing number that best suits your setup.
Trending Topics
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
If I were you , I would adjust the idle mixture of that new Edelbrock with a vacuum gauge.
Then I would adjust the timing.
I have never had to disconnect anything but the vacuum advance.
As I said, the Red grommet modules controlled dwell and there might be some special procedure.
But I have never encountered one, so I have no idea.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Yes, 12A244 is the Basic part number for all ignition modules.
No clue what the OP has, but I'm assuming his manual is making accommodations for California, High Altitude, and Other calibrations.
No clue what the OP has, but I'm assuming his manual is making accommodations for California, High Altitude, and Other calibrations.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 6
From: Georgia
Yeah, so far just adjusted the carb. It was too sunny to see the timing marks.
Yeah, I sorta figured that out, but what's odd is the manual says if you have basic PN 12A244 module do X, if you don't have 12A244 do Y. But it's in the DII section, so it seems they'd all have that basic PN.
Yeah, I sorta figured that out, but what's odd is the manual says if you have basic PN 12A244 module do X, if you don't have 12A244 do Y. But it's in the DII section, so it seems they'd all have that basic PN.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NashvegasMatt
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Mar 4, 2019 08:14 AM
Dorsai
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Oct 21, 2015 10:31 PM
1986F150six
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Aug 28, 2012 12:46 PM
armashby
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Aug 17, 2011 08:14 AM