Timing question?
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 444
Likes: 94
From: Texas, near Houston
Timing question?
Im sure this will sound like a stupid question to some of you but i cant seem to find the answer anywhere so i will just go ahead and ask. I have a 1984 f150 and i am in the process off replacing the original 4.9l engine. When i set the timing should 1 set the crank to 0’ @tdc before dropping the distributer to face #1 spark cable, or 6-10@tdc? Its hard to tell from some of these forums wether people are talking about 10-14’ advance at the start or set while with the timing light. Being a fresh rebuild i have to get this right the first time and ramp up the speed to 2-3k rpms for the first 30 min for cam break in. Thanks in advance, for any help you can render.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
If you could set it to 6-10 BTDC you are a god or damn lucky.
You will still need to throw a timing light on it.
If it has a vacuum advance hose pulled & plugged or the SPOUT pulled if still running the feed back system.
Dave ----
You will still need to throw a timing light on it.
If it has a vacuum advance hose pulled & plugged or the SPOUT pulled if still running the feed back system.
Dave ----
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 444
Likes: 94
From: Texas, near Houston
I am taking the opportunity to cut back on some of the potential problem areas. Replacing the feedback system with an HEI distributor and carter yf style carb & EFI exhaust manifolds. Im fine with the timing light to set it up for a smooth run. I just dont want a lot of failures trying to light it off that first time.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
It sounds like you got it under control.
Motor on TDC and drop the dist. in pointing to #1. My point was you cant drop it in at the 6 to 10 BTDC you can only get it close and then use the light.
Now in the old days with points you might be able to get the 6-10 using a test light just dont see it with todays electronics.
Other than the HEI, I run the 81 DSII setup, you are running what I got. Factory log intake & carb and EFI exh manifolds.
Dave ----
Motor on TDC and drop the dist. in pointing to #1. My point was you cant drop it in at the 6 to 10 BTDC you can only get it close and then use the light.
Now in the old days with points you might be able to get the 6-10 using a test light just dont see it with todays electronics.
Other than the HEI, I run the 81 DSII setup, you are running what I got. Factory log intake & carb and EFI exh manifolds.
Dave ----
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 444
Likes: 94
From: Texas, near Houston
It sounds like you got it under control.
Motor on TDC and drop the dist. in pointing to #1. My point was you cant drop it in at the 6 to 10 BTDC you can only get it close and then use the light.
Now in the old days with points you might be able to get the 6-10 using a test light just dont see it with todays electronics.
Other than the HEI, I run the 81 DSII setup, you are running what I got. Factory log intake & carb and EFI exh manifolds.
Dave ----
Motor on TDC and drop the dist. in pointing to #1. My point was you cant drop it in at the 6 to 10 BTDC you can only get it close and then use the light.
Now in the old days with points you might be able to get the 6-10 using a test light just dont see it with todays electronics.
Other than the HEI, I run the 81 DSII setup, you are running what I got. Factory log intake & carb and EFI exh manifolds.
Dave ----
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FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
I have always put #1 at 0 TDC on compression stroke and just dropped the dist. in pointing to #1 wire on the cap.
When starting you may need to advance / retard timing a little but you just need to get it close for it to start.
Dave ----
When starting you may need to advance / retard timing a little but you just need to get it close for it to start.
Dave ----
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 444
Likes: 94
From: Texas, near Houston
Thanks, that sounds like the answer to my question. Now when the transmission is done i can start reassembly. 😁
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,096
From: Angier, NC
Good luck
Dave ----
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