Timing issues.
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Timing issues.
ANy suggestions on properlt timing an engine? I had the moter completely rebuilt and they put in a higher torque cam. I've got the engine running great, at least it seems to be, but when I check the timing with a light, it's reading about 12 degrees ATC (yes ATC not BTC) Now I figured the truck wouldn't even run if that timing was reading correct. Any suggestions on how to make sure I've got it right, without a lot of tear down on the engine(it's cold here in Michigan, and I can't fit the truck in the garage) Thanks. BTW it's a 1988 F-150 4wd withw 302 EFI
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I've checked it both ways, but it seems to make no difference. Am I checking the timing correctly? Here's how I do it...
Warm up the engine, shut it off, unplug SPOUT, start truck, attach light to no.1 wire and power cables to battery, pull trigger.
As I said, the place I got the engine built at put in a new cam, is it possible this might effect the way the timing on the crank pulley is being read?
Warm up the engine, shut it off, unplug SPOUT, start truck, attach light to no.1 wire and power cables to battery, pull trigger.
As I said, the place I got the engine built at put in a new cam, is it possible this might effect the way the timing on the crank pulley is being read?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Alabama
It sounds like the method is correct. That's the way I check mine anyway. I don't know a lot about Cams myself, but some of the guys I work with know a good bit about that. I will ask them and post back. You might look on some of the FAQ's on some Cam mfg. websites too. Specifically the mfg. of the Cam you installed. See if they have a Toll free number and maybe you can call them??
guzzler96
guzzler96
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I do not care for the shape of Ford's "timing tab". It is not obvious which portion of the thing is intended to be the reference line.
If you use the semi-circular notch, the correct timing will appear way retarded, as yours seems to.
The correct point appears to be near the extreme clockwise edge of the sheet metal piece. I determined this by pulling #1 spark plug, turning the engine by hand, feeling through the plug hole for the piston to reach TDC, and comparing the harmonic balancer mark to the timing tab.
You can do this yourself, if necessary, to ensure that TDC on the balancer really does match TDC on the engine.
If you use the semi-circular notch, the correct timing will appear way retarded, as yours seems to.
The correct point appears to be near the extreme clockwise edge of the sheet metal piece. I determined this by pulling #1 spark plug, turning the engine by hand, feeling through the plug hole for the piston to reach TDC, and comparing the harmonic balancer mark to the timing tab.
You can do this yourself, if necessary, to ensure that TDC on the balancer really does match TDC on the engine.
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according to the what i've read, the top edge of the metal "tab" is the line at which to read things. I did take it out for a test drive, and things seem all right, except for third not kicking in until about 40, maybe I just need to drive it a bit more, as it sat for about six months.
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
What type of cam was installed? a mild RV cam should require no more than stock timing, but a more agressive rv cam or other-wise oriented performance cam will require either more or less advance, as well it's based on compression and timing gear combination as well. More information as to what went into the engine,, if they ran a 3 position timing gear assembly, and what position they mounted it in, etc, will be helpful. Also, did they replace the harmonic damper? This is the item that has the timing marks on it, and if they re-used the old one, the rubber ring could have dried up, and the outer ring could have slipped a bit, causing a false reading.
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Posting Guru
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From: Annapolis,MD.
Maybe try a different timing light.I lent mine to a buddy and he called me and said he had like 30 BTDC but ran great.Found out the advance on the light was not working.
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I am in the process of getting a different timing light, as to what went into the engine, it was basically just a rebuild, but they replaced the cam and lifters with a Comp Cams one designed for a little better torque, nothing really agressive, just wanted a little more bottom end for the 4WD