i have a 1990 f150 4x4 that i am having problems with spark nocking, no power, and in say 4th gear at say 50 miles an hour if you stand in it, it just starts to shutter and ping real loud. i have done everything i know how to do as far as timming goes. my question is is there something that could have gone wrong w/ the computer program or some sensor given the computer the wrong info or something. also could a computer diagnosis tell me anything as far as timming goes? any help or info will be helpfull thanks

 

Sounds like you may have a converter plugged? I would check that first. Is there any codes? Let us know.

Fitter

 

what is the converter and how would i unplug it?

 

The catalitic converter on your exhaust. If it's plugged you will have to replace it or get rid of it.

Fitter

 

understand no converter dual exaust oxygen sensor is still pluged in but nothing else.
it ran fine until i moved the distributer around. if the computer is reading crank position and not actuall timming could i have done something to confuse the comp. or something? could i uplug the battery and reset the comp.? or is this way of base?

 

did you check the timing with spout disconnected? if so was the base timing @10. read the codes from the comp. this could help you determine the problem.
you can disconnect battery, turn on headlights for 10 minutes then hook it back up, this will clear any codes and reset the computor

 

You will have to put the distributer back where it was. This will get you back to your base timing. I'm not sure of the steps to get your base timing. Maybe someone will chime in and let us know.
Fitter

 

is there any way to read the codes without a tool that is made for reading codes, like a volt meter or something? i have noticed that there is a plug under the hood that you can get code readings from is this where i need to check them at or inside the cab? i have disconnected the spout connector and set the timming, but the first time i tried to adjust the timming i did not know about the connector and that was why i was thinking that might have confused the comp. some how.

 

your base should be 10 degrees BTDC, that should get you in the game. yes you can read codes that way, look in your haynes or chiltons and it should tell you how to do it. the needle sweeps out the code

 

sweet thanks for all the info