I am new to this forum thanks in advance for any help.

I have a 94 aerostar 3.0 with 75k miles & tuned it up recently (plugs rotor cap wires). The best gas mileage I can get out of it is about 18 mpg (all hwy no a/c) or about 16 (mixed driving w/ a/c). Sometimes it will ping under lower rpm acceleration (regular gas). I was wondering, should I check the timing or would that be a waste of time? If so, what are the specs & what is the procedure? If not, how does it self adjust?

Thanks for any help

 

Try this page!

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=131256

It has excellent information about the 3.0 and pinging.

If this doesn't help, let me know.

 

I agree, you should consider all the potential causes of pinging before assuming that your timing is off. My manual says that, with regard to the 3.0L Distributor Ignition System, "initial timing adjustments are not required unless the distributor has been moved from its factory setting or removed from the engine."

That being said, here’s how to set initial timing:

NOTE: To set timing correctly, a remote starter should not be used. Use the ignition key only to start the vehicle. Disconnecting the start wire at the starter relay will cause ICM to revert to start mode timing after the vehicle is started. Reconnecting the start wire after the vehicle is running will not correct the timing.

1. Place transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, A/C and heater in OFF position.

2. Connect an inductive timing light (follow the instructions that came with it).

3. Disconnect the single wire in-line SPOUT connector (or remove the shorting bar from the double wire SPOUT connector).

4. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature.

5. Check/adjust initial timing to specification (10 degrees BTDC) with the engine at idle. With the distributor hold-down clamp loosened up, aim the timing light at the flywheel (or harmonic balancer, whichever has the timing marks on it). Rotate the distributor each way until the mark on your flywheel or balancer lines up with the correct mark on your timing pointer. Re-tighten the distributor hild down clamp.

6. Reconnect single wire in-line SPOUT connector (or reinstall the shorting bar on the double wire SPOUT connector). Check timing advance while varying engine speed to verify distributor is advancing beyond the initial setting.

7. Remove timing light.

 

Thanks for the replies. I was away for a while but am going to check timing next week. What is the 'SPOUT' connector & where is it located? (94 aerostar)