After searching for the Engine Calibration Code label on my 86 F150 4.9L 4 spd M/T, I found its remains obliterated on the valve cover. So I've spent more than a few minutes poring over the Master Parts List comparing the various Calibration Parts Lists in sections 93A and B. I think I can determine the calibration code based on what EEC module is in the truck. I haven't pulled the module to check the numbers on it yet. Soon.

Anyway, the reason I got interested in the Calibration Codes is to determine component compatibility for a potential DS2 conversion. I want to make sure that the distributor that I might eventually buy will work with the correct carb, EGR valve, etc.

My question is this: What are the precise differences in the various calibrations? Is there a "secret" chart somewhere that lists the differences and their applications? From what I can see in the Master Parts List, there are 4 different calibrations for a 1983 F150 4.9L, 2 w/d, M/T w/AC that is NOT Calif or Canada. What in the world are the differences? Are some of them towing packages and based on different trannies and rear ends?

By the way there are 3 different calibrations that might fit my original 1986 F150 that I could find.

Any clues on how to decode these silly things?

Dan

 

do you have a vacuum routing diagram on your radiator support?
The code is there in the lower left

 

DSII distributors for 300's are all the same except for slot widths.

That is a crap shoot when purchasing a rebuilt dizzy anyhow.

 

This is what I have.

Maybe I'm just being blind, but I don't see anything that matches the format of the Calibration Codes in the Parts List. I do need new glasses...

 

<filllll>ABU

 

OK, but according to Ford the code should look something along these lines: #-##?-R## where # is a number and ? is a letter.

I can't seem to find any ABU in the cross reference list.

I appreciate you replying so quickly, Jim.

Dan

 

ABU is the engineering number for the *sticker pertaining* to your calibration.
This is what we use when crossing in the book (or CD)

I'm sorry, I cant zoom that image enough on my phone.

Look in the block just to the right of the word CATALYST

 

I resized the photo to hopefully make it easier to read, but here's what it says:

SPARK PLUG:BSF-42 GAP - .042-.046
4.9L-6GM-SINGLE TANK/6GQ - DUAL TANKS
GFM4.9T1HG87-AIP/EGR/EGS/TWC

Dan

 

Any idea as to what the exact differences are in the calibrations?

Dan

 

This is what the calibration code "label" looks like:



The decal on the radiator support is the "Emission Control Information label".

The only reference to the calibration numbers (in the Engine/Emissions Diagnosis book) is for setting idle speed on passenger cars and the 4.2L truck with 2150-2V carb. Different adjustment procedures are used depending on the calibration number. However, all 4.9L, 5.0L and 5.8L engines in trucks show the adjustments as the same for all calibration codes (at least in my 1982 manual) - with the only variations in adjustment procedurers being whether Auto or manual trans., with or without A/C, 49 states or not, and carb type. So I see no need for the calibration code in a truck.
Perhaps if you have an ECA (Electronic Control Assembly) or MCU (Microprocessor Control Unit) to replace, the code might be needed.

 

There might be a Rosetta Stone locked away in a vault in Dearborn, somewhere.
I really don't know.

Not sure why you would need any number off your '86 if you are swapping to Duraspark.

 

Country, I looked all over the engine. I'd be surprised if that sticker has survived almost 3 decades of grease and grime.

Jim, I want to know the codes for a couple of reasons: 1) Just curiosity and 2) I'd like to know what the truck started out with so if I do go the DS2 route I'll have a better idea of what's compatible between stock and conversion. I'd also like to know the Cal Codes of the truck I scavenge the parts from for similar reasons.

I've contemplated contacting Ford HQ to see if I can get some info. I have my serious doubts, though. They are in the business of selling new vehicles, not helping keep 30 year old trucks on the road. Nowhere near as much profit in that I would imagine.

dan

 

They are on the radiator support, are not "normal" stickers and tolerate grease and grime quite well; here is mine for reference:

 

Mine looks like Dan's. But mine is a CA smog truck, could that be the difference?

 

I think it's just an '81->'86 thing