Carb Issues
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I am still going to want to know what a timing light says regardless of how things can be adjusted via other means... the "other means" are great when you're starting with a known-good and working configuration, but we don't have that here; for all we know, his base timing has him at 20° BTDC and the advance mechanisms are trying to push it into the forties.
But a good point has been brought up, that being that hose harmonic balancers (which are two pieces held together by rubber) can slip, resulting in incorrect readings.
Which means that this stuff needs to be verified, something that should be done IMO anyway... put #1 at TDC on the compression stroke and verify the pointer shows 0°.
Ignition timing is one of the basics that needs to be verified when attempting to tune an engine... all the engine needs is fire, fuel and air to operate... but it needs them in the correct proportions at the correct times... so check the basics....
"My printer won't print!"
"Is it plugged in? Turned on? Is there paper in it?"
But a good point has been brought up, that being that hose harmonic balancers (which are two pieces held together by rubber) can slip, resulting in incorrect readings.
Which means that this stuff needs to be verified, something that should be done IMO anyway... put #1 at TDC on the compression stroke and verify the pointer shows 0°.
Ignition timing is one of the basics that needs to be verified when attempting to tune an engine... all the engine needs is fire, fuel and air to operate... but it needs them in the correct proportions at the correct times... so check the basics....
"My printer won't print!"
"Is it plugged in? Turned on? Is there paper in it?"
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Question, do you know which plug is #1? Ford is different from almost everyone else (Mercedes-Benz matches Ford for cyl numbering). It is the front passenger side cyl, right behind the alternator. If you have a 15/16" socket and a breaker bar and short extension, get under the truck and turn the engine while wiping off and looking at the balancer. You should find a set of markings from + 30° to -10° on it. Highlight +10° and 0° TDC. There is a pointer, somewhat buried, on the passenger side of the timing cover.
To find TDC, take an old spark plug, knock the ceramic out of it. Thread it inside for a 3/8" bolt. Take a long enough bolt to reach into the cylinder and lock it with a nut. Put this in place of either #1 or #6 (second one on driver's side) and CAREFULLY turn the engine with the socket until it stops. Mark the balancer, then turn it backwards until it stops again. Mark the balancer, TDC is exactly 1/2 way between the two marks. If it isn't on 0° TDC, then the balancer is bad and should be replaced.
If you find this and need to try to set the timing, use a piece of paper to transfer the 0 - 10° distance so you have a 10° BTDC timing setting.
To find TDC, take an old spark plug, knock the ceramic out of it. Thread it inside for a 3/8" bolt. Take a long enough bolt to reach into the cylinder and lock it with a nut. Put this in place of either #1 or #6 (second one on driver's side) and CAREFULLY turn the engine with the socket until it stops. Mark the balancer, then turn it backwards until it stops again. Mark the balancer, TDC is exactly 1/2 way between the two marks. If it isn't on 0° TDC, then the balancer is bad and should be replaced.
If you find this and need to try to set the timing, use a piece of paper to transfer the 0 - 10° distance so you have a 10° BTDC timing setting.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
To find TDC, take an old spark plug, knock the ceramic out of it. Thread it inside for a 3/8" bolt. Take a long enough bolt to reach into the cylinder and lock it with a nut. Put this in place of either #1 or #6 (second one on driver's side) and CAREFULLY turn the engine with the socket until it stops. Mark the balancer, then turn it backwards until it stops again. Mark the balancer, TDC is exactly 1/2 way between the two marks. If it isn't on 0° TDC, then the balancer is bad and should be replaced.
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