timing
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From: cincinnati hamilton
timing
chiltons says periodic adjustment of ignition timing is not necessary for engines covered in manual ( 1986-97)."if igniyion timing is not within specs, there is a fault in the engine control system" further down in the same paragraph they say.."on all engines covered by this manual, spark timing changes are accomplished electronically by the PCM (powertrain control module), based on imput from engine sensors.
they then go on to describe procedure... 1. vehicle in P or N with wheels blocked 2. timing light connected as per manufactures instructions. 3. remove the SPOUT (spark out put connector) 4. start engine and allow to reacn normal temp. 5.check idle speed is within spec. 6.timing should be between 8-12 degrees BTDC. 7. if ignition timing is not with in spec. it can be adjusted by lossening distributer holddown bolt, rotate as needed (cw or ccw) to achieve 8-12 BTDC and tighten bolt., reinstall SPOUT connector. hope that helps rick
they then go on to describe procedure... 1. vehicle in P or N with wheels blocked 2. timing light connected as per manufactures instructions. 3. remove the SPOUT (spark out put connector) 4. start engine and allow to reacn normal temp. 5.check idle speed is within spec. 6.timing should be between 8-12 degrees BTDC. 7. if ignition timing is not with in spec. it can be adjusted by lossening distributer holddown bolt, rotate as needed (cw or ccw) to achieve 8-12 BTDC and tighten bolt., reinstall SPOUT connector. hope that helps rick
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From: U.S.A.
timing
My 92, 3.0 liter aerostar has a sticker under the hood that gives the timing specs and procedure for checking it. Your's might too. Lift the hood and look underneath it. The sticker doesn't tell exactly where the SPOUT connector is though. My SPOUT connector is just above, and to the left of, the master cylinder for the brakes. Your's might (or might not) be in the same location. I hope this helps. Have a good day!
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timing
Thanks for your replies. The main reason I want to check it is because sometimes (not always) when I accelerate hard (but not enough to kick down to a lower gear) I hear some pinging. Is timing my main suspect? I recently bought it (my 2nd aerostar) & it has 60K miles on it. I am going to chang plugs/cap/rotor & wires, do I need to time it also or just let the computer adjust it?
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From: cincinnati hamilton
timing
if it a 93 it should have electronic ignition, ie, no rotor or distributor to change.instaed of a round distributor you should a rectangular box type of distributor with all the wires going to it. i'm told they hardly ever fail, or are at fault with timing problems.(you could call your friendly ford dealer service dept and ask, i've gotten alot of free advice that way.)... go ahead and change plugs and wires and see what happens, might improve with that. rick
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From: cincinnati hamilton
timing
it would be my guess that would mean you can replace rotor and cap. but timing is still set by PCM. it also means you probably adjust timing by the method described if you other tune up components don't solve your problem. worth a try anyway eh? rick
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timing
I was having the same problem in my 94 areostar 3.0L turns out it was the gear at the bottom of the distributor shaft I guess there was play in the shaft cause finally it ground 4 or 5 teeth off leaving my wife on the side of the road .had the same symptoms as yours though.i would change cap, rotor, plugs, wires and see if that fixes it if not go from there.P.S my ignition timing is 10 deg btdc.
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timing
Originally posted by rickm5
if it a 93 it should have electronic ignition, ie, no rotor or distributor to change.instaed of a round distributor you should a rectangular box type of distributor with all the wires going to it. i'm told they hardly ever fail, or are at fault with timing problems.(you could call your friendly ford dealer service dept and ask, i've gotten alot of free advice that way.)... go ahead and change plugs and wires and see what happens, might improve with that. rick
if it a 93 it should have electronic ignition, ie, no rotor or distributor to change.instaed of a round distributor you should a rectangular box type of distributor with all the wires going to it. i'm told they hardly ever fail, or are at fault with timing problems.(you could call your friendly ford dealer service dept and ask, i've gotten alot of free advice that way.)... go ahead and change plugs and wires and see what happens, might improve with that. rick
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