Timing is all messed up
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Timing is all messed up
Ever since I got the truck about 7mo ago, its been pinging like crazy under any acceleration. I dont own a timing light as I dont want to buy a $75 tool at the moment. Anyway, I have no idea what the initial timing is at right now, so I had the shop put it to 8*btdc (the factory setting), for a "clean slate" to work from. However, they said whenever they put it to 8*, it would bog down. I know ignition timing at idle doesnt really matter, and its when and what all the way in is that really matters. What is up with my truck? Is there any way I can fix this without getting a timing light? Is there a cheap good one? Is there somewhere I can rent/loan one from?
Thanks!
1977 F100, 302cid, 2WD, 3 on the tree
Thanks!
1977 F100, 302cid, 2WD, 3 on the tree
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,879
Likes: 2,367
A dial back light is a lot cheaper than pistons.
For the moment the best thing you can do is advance your timing a bit at a time until it pings and then back it off until it won't. don't worry about the initial.
A higher grade fuel will help, and may be required depending on your engine build.
For the moment the best thing you can do is advance your timing a bit at a time until it pings and then back it off until it won't. don't worry about the initial.
A higher grade fuel will help, and may be required depending on your engine build.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,194
Likes: 5,794
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Auto Zone has 3 locations in Winston Salem NC. Like the one at 805 Silas Creek Pkwy and they have a tool loan program. Just make a deposit and return when done for money back.
https://www.autozone.com/lp/loan-a-tool
There are 4 O'reilly's in Winston Salem that have a tool loan program also. https://locations.oreillyauto.com/nc...arts-2198.html
Have you asked any FTE NC chapter members to see if any close has a timing light?
https://www.autozone.com/lp/loan-a-tool
There are 4 O'reilly's in Winston Salem that have a tool loan program also. https://locations.oreillyauto.com/nc...arts-2198.html
Have you asked any FTE NC chapter members to see if any close has a timing light?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
You need to verify TDC and mark true zero on the balancer. This will let you know if the balancer has slipped. A timing light is definitely required, however it's obsolete and not many places rent or loan them.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,194
Likes: 5,794
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Before I sent it to the shop, I did verify tdc, which was at the original mark. I will get a timing light and figure this thing out. However, anybody have any theories on it bogging down at 8*?
I do have about 5in of vacuum at idle coming from ported that is going to vac advance. I had another thread on this and they said it would get better when I redid the timing.
I do have about 5in of vacuum at idle coming from ported that is going to vac advance. I had another thread on this and they said it would get better when I redid the timing.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
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If your timing is retarded you have to open the throttle plates more to set the idle thus lowering the manifold vacuum .
For the time being set it up to where it runs decent as long as it doesn't ping. if it won't run decent without pinging then you still need a timing light but it's going to take some changes in the distributor. assuming octane isn't the problem.
For the time being set it up to where it runs decent as long as it doesn't ping. if it won't run decent without pinging then you still need a timing light but it's going to take some changes in the distributor. assuming octane isn't the problem.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Thats the weird thing though, my manifold is fine, a solid and steady 22in. My engine is all stock except for new pipes and mufflers, so it should be able to run 87 octane just fine, as many other people do.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Just so I have the correct information, pinging is caused by too advanced timing. And retarding the timing means to bring it back closer to 0*?
If I understand the above correctly,
So I guess right now, I have my timing too advanced and I need to retard it. Which way do I turn the distributor, and how much is too much?
If I understand the above correctly,
So I guess right now, I have my timing too advanced and I need to retard it. Which way do I turn the distributor, and how much is too much?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 346
Likes: 159
From: Ootsa Lake
Have you checked the local Pawn Shops for a timing light?
Hard times force some tradesmen to pawn good tools and equipment.
I love browsing the local pawn shops in PG. They always have a new selection.
Tools, musical instruments and jewelry mostly. Not too many firearms, like in the states.
Anyhow, I hope this helps. You'll find a nice one and then you'll be back in business.
Hard times force some tradesmen to pawn good tools and equipment.
I love browsing the local pawn shops in PG. They always have a new selection.
Tools, musical instruments and jewelry mostly. Not too many firearms, like in the states.
Anyhow, I hope this helps. You'll find a nice one and then you'll be back in business.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
Just so I have the correct information, pinging is caused by too advanced timing. And retarding the timing means to bring it back closer to 0*?
If I understand the above correctly,
So I guess right now, I have my timing too advanced and I need to retard it. Which way do I turn the distributor, and how much is too much?
If I understand the above correctly,
So I guess right now, I have my timing too advanced and I need to retard it. Which way do I turn the distributor, and how much is too much?
You really won't be able to diagnose any of these without a timing light.
You also, you have no idea how the shop was doing the timing adjustment. Was it being done properly with vac advance can disconnect. Unless the tech is in his mid or later 40's they may have zero experience with mech distributors.
You are going to need a timing light to fix /diagnose this, ideally you want a timing light with a tach that will tell you the enigines RPM it will come in useful for more than setting the timing, such lights can be had for under $50.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 100
Likes: 6
From: Winston-Salem, NC
but just for my understanding and not the reasoning of my specific problem, pinging is caused by too advanced timing?