Timing issue, need advice
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Timing issue, need advice
I recently fixed my wiring for my 390 FE, the issue now is timing. Now, the cap and rotor are fine, firing order is correct, when cranking it sounds as if the motor is firing but is not turning over and running. One thing I should add is my friend pulled out the distributor and put it back in, I do not know if he put it in wrong and missed it by a tooth because I wasn't there but this Ive heard makes a difference. I'd just like to hear what you guys think before I go forward and pull stuff off to get to the timing chain.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Welcome to FTE
Did it run before your friend pulled the distributor? That would be the logical reason that it doesn't run now. Make sure the distributor has been "stabbed" correctly before chasing any other rabbits!
Make sure the #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke, and note where the rotor points. It should be just shy of the #1 plug wire tower receptacle on the cap. Recall that the distributor doesn't really care what terminal is #1, so long as the firing order is correct - but deviating from the factory setup can cause other problems, for example the vacuum advance will contact the intake manifold before enough advance can be timed in. It's best to set it up correctly. Just give it a little lead before installation, to account for the helical gear, it will drop right in soon enough.
Did it run before your friend pulled the distributor? That would be the logical reason that it doesn't run now. Make sure the distributor has been "stabbed" correctly before chasing any other rabbits!
Make sure the #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke, and note where the rotor points. It should be just shy of the #1 plug wire tower receptacle on the cap. Recall that the distributor doesn't really care what terminal is #1, so long as the firing order is correct - but deviating from the factory setup can cause other problems, for example the vacuum advance will contact the intake manifold before enough advance can be timed in. It's best to set it up correctly. Just give it a little lead before installation, to account for the helical gear, it will drop right in soon enough.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
Did you check the initial timing with a timing light yet?
It can be off one tooth, or half the gear, and still run perfectly if you find TDC on #1 compression stroke, put the wires where they are supposed to be (ignoring the possible "1" on the cap), and set the initial timing.
It can be off one tooth, or half the gear, and still run perfectly if you find TDC on #1 compression stroke, put the wires where they are supposed to be (ignoring the possible "1" on the cap), and set the initial timing.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield, KY
Welcome to FTE
Did it run before your friend pulled the distributor? That would be the logical reason that it doesn't run now. Make sure the distributor has been "stabbed" correctly before chasing any other rabbits!
Make sure the #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke, and note where the rotor points. It should be just shy of the #1 plug wire tower receptacle on the cap. Recall that the distributor doesn't really care what terminal is #1, so long as the firing order is correct - but deviating from the factory setup can cause other problems, for example the vacuum advance will contact the intake manifold before enough advance can be timed in. It's best to set it up correctly. Just give it a little lead before installation, to account for the helical gear, it will drop right in soon enough.
Did it run before your friend pulled the distributor? That would be the logical reason that it doesn't run now. Make sure the distributor has been "stabbed" correctly before chasing any other rabbits!
Make sure the #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke, and note where the rotor points. It should be just shy of the #1 plug wire tower receptacle on the cap. Recall that the distributor doesn't really care what terminal is #1, so long as the firing order is correct - but deviating from the factory setup can cause other problems, for example the vacuum advance will contact the intake manifold before enough advance can be timed in. It's best to set it up correctly. Just give it a little lead before installation, to account for the helical gear, it will drop right in soon enough.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Yeah. 20 years ago when first bought my 64, unbeknownst to me at the time, it had a slipped damper ring, and on top of that, the distributor was installed 180 degrees out. Knew a little bit about timing an engine but ran like **** till I got all that straightened out.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 7
From: Taxachusetts
I would agree with the rest of the gentlemen that the dist got stabbed back off a tooth or two.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Suggest conduct a quick timing check to determine if, or, how far it's off. Couple cheap tools I like to use; a button type remote start>http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1500_.jpg and an inline spark plug tester:http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...bL._SX425_.jpg Rotate engine, immediately stop when #1 fires and check position of rotor; if 180 degrees off then go thru 1 more cycle.
A back yard mechanic method I occasionally resort to is remove #1 spark plug, place finder in the opening and rotate the engine until compression forces finger out of the opening, immediately stop then check the position of the rotor, this is only to determine if the timing is in the ball park, fine tune one engine is running. I would also check the idle mixture setting, and float lever, keeping in mind, adjust idle mixture then one needs to recheck timing and vice versa?
Finally, check for vac leaks, and depending upon Brand, type, model carb will determine whether vac advance operates off primary, or secondary vacuum? Anyhow, suggest wait for more knowledgeable member's to chime-in, food for thought?
A back yard mechanic method I occasionally resort to is remove #1 spark plug, place finder in the opening and rotate the engine until compression forces finger out of the opening, immediately stop then check the position of the rotor, this is only to determine if the timing is in the ball park, fine tune one engine is running. I would also check the idle mixture setting, and float lever, keeping in mind, adjust idle mixture then one needs to recheck timing and vice versa?
Finally, check for vac leaks, and depending upon Brand, type, model carb will determine whether vac advance operates off primary, or secondary vacuum? Anyhow, suggest wait for more knowledgeable member's to chime-in, food for thought?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
64'F100BobbySurfer
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jul 27, 2015 06:56 AM
Porpoiseater
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Feb 28, 2015 03:58 PM
300/6 Freak
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Apr 2, 2010 09:30 PM
Mestrell
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
Apr 8, 2006 09:09 PM