Howdy!

Finally got my engine back from the mechanic and put it in. Having timing problems though. 92 F-150, 351W EFI.

Like I said, I got it put in but it wouldn't start right up. Acted like timing was off. I adjusted the timing enough so it would even start, but was running really rough. Also popping back (I could tell because evidently I didn't get the new shorty headers tight enough to the factory y-pipe.)

Anyway, I put the timing light on it and it was way off. I know at idle (650 rpm) it's supposed to be 10 degrees BTDC. It was running at about 20 degrees ATDC! I don't even know how it was running at all. When I tried to back it down, when I got close to zero, it would die. Anything 0 or BTDC, it won't run.

Yes, I made sure #1 cylinder was all the way up on the compression stroke when I put the distributor back in. And yes, I aligned the rotor with the #1 position on the cap.

A little about the engine. As far as I know and what the mechanic tells me, it was completely stock, never had a wrench on it. Now it's .030 over; slightly bigger cam (CompCam, not sure of specs. Mechanic says it the biggest the computer will work with, very mild); and shorty headers. That's all.

I'm not sure where to go from here.

 

Are you adjusting/checking the timing with the SPOUT disconnected? It's a small grey 2-wire plug on the driver fenderwell. Remove it, start the engine, and check the timing there. Adjust as needed.

 

Is the firing order correct? Are you sure you have cylinder 1 on the compression stroke and not the exhaust stroke? Are you looking at the correct number 1? I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but it sounds possibly like one of these things, and it's always good to double check.

 

Are you using the correct firing order?

302 - 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

351 - 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8

 

bigric,

Located the SPOUT connector. What does it do? I've never heard of it til now.

 

When it is disconnected the computer doesn't control the timing and you can set your timing. Just remember to reconnect it when done.

 

Well, after a little more blood, sweat, tears and four-letter words, I finally got it running right.

It's amazing how bad a couple of ripped open plug wire boots and a distributor that's one tooth off will make your engine run.

I ended up buying some new plug wires (accel). The old ones had only been on there for about 2 months before I pulled the engine. Guess I must have ripped them when I was taking them off without noticing it. Also, that distrbutor is a bear to get set in exactly the right spot. I had to pull it out and turn the oil pump shaft a tiny bit at a time until it would let the distributor line up on the cam gear exactly where I needed it. Darn near lost a deep 3/8 socket down into my timing gear set! OUCH!! That would have sucked!

Anyway, she's purrin like a kitten now...that is...a kitten with a bad case of gas. Gotta see if I can get those Flowtech headers to quit leaking!

Thanks for all your help guys!