Timing marks? Getting distributor lined up...
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Joined: Oct 2002
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Timing marks? Getting distributor lined up...
Where are the timing marks on the 93 3.0L engine (170,000 miles). I mucked up the distributor and need to find TDC.
I need chalk and a board to write "I will not mess with the distributor" 1,000 times...
It all started with a horible metalic noise, from there, the junk yard replacement had a hairline crack, by the time I oiled the original and put it back something was off. Yesterday I "fixed it" good. I'll like to avoid having it towed in...
Thanks for your help!!!
I need chalk and a board to write "I will not mess with the distributor" 1,000 times...
It all started with a horible metalic noise, from there, the junk yard replacement had a hairline crack, by the time I oiled the original and put it back something was off. Yesterday I "fixed it" good. I'll like to avoid having it towed in...
Thanks for your help!!!
New User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Timing marks? Getting distributor lined up...
This is probably too late for you, since it's over six months later, but I just saw it, and have less than an hour ago worked on my '94 3.0L Aerostar.
The "numbered" timing marks are on the crankshaft dampener behind the belt pulleys. If you get the front end up on ramps or jackstands, you can clean off the dampener with alcohol to get the layer of greasy crud off, and you can turn the crankshaft with a deep 7/8" socket, a short extension, and a socket wrench. That bolt's way in there, and you'll have to work it in the fan shroud.
Clean the marks off, then use some chalk or white soap to improve their contrast. If your's is like mine, I made a special "dot" right at 10° BTDC since that's where the mark should line up with the SPOUT connector off.
Reach up around the right side of the pulley and clean the pointer off also. You can't see it from underneath, but you can feel it, it's the closest appendage coming off the timing cover to the dampener.
Timing's another matter. The tube from the air cleaner/MAF to the throttle body is right in the line of sight where one would look at the marks. I found that if I placed the timing light just behind the air cleaner housing, seemingly pointing right at the alternator belt, enough light could be steered around the belt and you can see the marks (now that I made them white on black) and the pointer by looking between the intake tube and the upper radiator hose.
I had my distributor replace about 4 months ago, base timing was set OVER 30° BTDC so the engine was pinging like crazy.
I set it back to 10° BTDC, we'll see how that does.
The "numbered" timing marks are on the crankshaft dampener behind the belt pulleys. If you get the front end up on ramps or jackstands, you can clean off the dampener with alcohol to get the layer of greasy crud off, and you can turn the crankshaft with a deep 7/8" socket, a short extension, and a socket wrench. That bolt's way in there, and you'll have to work it in the fan shroud.
Clean the marks off, then use some chalk or white soap to improve their contrast. If your's is like mine, I made a special "dot" right at 10° BTDC since that's where the mark should line up with the SPOUT connector off.
Reach up around the right side of the pulley and clean the pointer off also. You can't see it from underneath, but you can feel it, it's the closest appendage coming off the timing cover to the dampener.
Timing's another matter. The tube from the air cleaner/MAF to the throttle body is right in the line of sight where one would look at the marks. I found that if I placed the timing light just behind the air cleaner housing, seemingly pointing right at the alternator belt, enough light could be steered around the belt and you can see the marks (now that I made them white on black) and the pointer by looking between the intake tube and the upper radiator hose.
I had my distributor replace about 4 months ago, base timing was set OVER 30° BTDC so the engine was pinging like crazy.
I set it back to 10° BTDC, we'll see how that does.
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