I'm trying to get my mother's 1987 Bronco II (2.9l) back on the road. I replaced both the Ignition and pick-up module. To do so I had to remove the Distributor. Also, I replaced a badly worn cap and rotor, plugs and wires. I got it all put back together and the vehicle will start and idle but I am not sure how to set the Timing since I can't find an in-line spout. The specification label under the hood gives the steps to follow but I do not know what the in-line spout connector is or where it is located. Can't find anything in the Hanyes repair manual. Anyone out there that knows what or where an in-line spout connector is or it's located? I think I still have a problem because it seems to be smoking (unburnt fuel?) from the exhaust pipe but I figure one step at a time?

 

I don't think that the timing on the 2.9 is adjustable. I have heard that you can unhook the battery for 15 minutes and this should reset the timing. Don't take my word for it though. I have a 90 that I am still trying to understand.

People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.

 

Thanks for responding. By rotating my distrubutor, the timing does change. This I'm sure of. I just can't figure out what I am supposed to disconnect after the engine has warmed up. Your 90' may have the distributorless ignition system. There would be no easy manual timing change with that system.

 

Yeah, I think it says somewhere on one of the stickers that the timing is unadjustable. I know for sure my brothers 83 grand marquis does. He just had some problems with that but got it straightened out. Sorry I couldn't give a rock solid answer but i'm sure someone can.

People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.

 

i know for a fact you can change the timing. it only says the timing is not adjustable because the computer should adjust it for you with factory settings. the spout connector is in the wiring harness that is traveling from the tfi on the distributor forward towards the radiator. it is about at the middle of the intake manifold. you have to peel away a little of the black wire protecting stuff from the harness and there should be a light blue plug. it just yanks apart. then you loosen the distributor a bit, shine the timing light down to the crank. there is a little needle on the pulley and just turn the distributor until it gets to 10btdc. if it starts, you should be pretty close on the timing. good luck

 

Thank you BabybroncoII, I'll give it a try now that I should be able to locate the spout connector. Mom's BII will start and appears to be running ok. I'll guess that either I must have got it close when I reinstalled the distributor, or the computer just compensates to keep the timing in check. I just turned the distributor until there wasn't any hesitation when I gave it gas. But now that I should be able to locate the spout connector, I'll feel better. I'll try it this weekend.

The BII does have a little smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Someone once told me that the 2.9 L engine has a problem with the oil ventricles being to small or narrow and clogging resulting in the oil not being able to get up to the top of the engine. He also suggested putting in a can of BG engine treatment. Any thoughts or suggestions?