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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Timing question?

Old Apr 25, 2025 | 07:29 PM
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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.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 07:56 PM
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TDC on cylinder #1. Drop distributor in with rotor pointed at #1 on cap.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 08:01 PM
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Make sure piston is at top on compression stroke (tdc) and not exhaust stroke(valve open).
 
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by orange65
Make sure piston is at top on compression stroke (tdc) and not exhaust stroke(valve open).
Roger that, thank you sir!
 
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 08:17 PM
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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 ----
 
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
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 ----
.

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.
 
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Old Apr 26, 2025 | 06:54 AM
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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 ----
 
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Old Apr 26, 2025 | 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
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 ----
Yes sir. The problem i have had with so many diagrams and pics out (on the web) there display the timing marks (a static pics) at 6-10’ as if it were there from the start. Not! (this is what it looks like under the timing light). If you set the crank at 6-10’ (like the pics) and then drop the dizzy from what i have experienced you may never find it.
 
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Old Apr 26, 2025 | 08:33 AM
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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 ----
 
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Old Apr 26, 2025 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
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 ----
Thanks, that sounds like the answer to my question. Now when the transmission is done i can start reassembly. 😁
 
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Old Apr 26, 2025 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Denzil B
Thanks, that sounds like the answer to my question. Now when the transmission is done i can start reassembly. 😁
If you need help just post back and we can help.
Good luck
Dave ----
 
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