Timing stumper 300 I6

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Dec 21, 2004 | 07:02 PM

big_rig_ford_2

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Timing stumper 300 I6

Here's the problem...when I adjust the timing till it's running perfect, it won't start. when I adjust the timing to where it will start, it runs super rough. When i got this truck , plug wires 3 and 5 were revesed on the distributor cap, but it ran. The previous owner adjusted the entire engine to support the reversal. I am on the verge of straightening this out but I can't seem to figure this out. My truck is an '85 300 I6, C6 trans 1bbl carb, all stock, hydraulic lifters. Any help will be appreciated.

Dec 22, 2004 | 04:37 PM

efstop22

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From: Reno usa

Sounds like you might have one of the ol' Ford gotcha's. The 300 I6 front pulley is prone to slipping in its rubber mount. If this has happened the timing mark is off. Add to that it sounds like your firing order MAY be off. Check the intake manifold for the firing order and adjust to that order. Now comes the hard part. Remove the valve cover and #1 spark plug. I used a very long screw driver, but anything long and skinny will work. Rotate the engine to TDC, make sure the dist rotor is on #1 plug pole and #1 valves should both be closed (slightly loose) and with the screw driver slipped into the spark plug hole the piston should be at top. Take a wrench and slowly work the crank around to where the piston is exactly at top. NOW, is the "0" timing mark on target on the crank pulley? If not make a new mark and start looking for a new pulley.
With all that done you should be able to at least temporarily get thing tuned.

Dec 25, 2004 | 12:56 AM

big_rig_ford_2

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Thanks for the reply, checked dampener, hasn't slipped but check tdc to timing marks anyway. Timing marks did line up. Re-timed (with sprout connector disconnected). Starts great cold, runs great, but.... after it is warm and shut off if cranks but won't start. To get it to start I must loosen the distributor and back it off alittle, then it will only start after the starter disengages.

Any help will be appreciated. Merry Christmas

Dec 25, 2004 | 05:05 AM

srercrcr

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It sounds like timing wasn't a problem to begin with.
Return it to the properly timed position, where it starts and runs good when cold.
Now address why it won't start when warmed up.
I'm vaguely knowledgable about EFI engines, but it has symptoms of a bad cold start sensor.....When its warmed up, its reading "cold", telling the computer its cold when it isn't...hence no start.
Check under the tree...maybe Santa brought you a new part!

Dec 25, 2004 | 05:53 AM

85F_150driver

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From: Rose City, MI

my 85 with a 300 and manual overdrive has a similar problem. Does your truck smooth out when the rpms go up? if so check your idle speed it may be too low. Sometimes my truck sarts and idles smooth and others it starts right up but runs rough. I think its the ignition system, mine has the tfi system, soon to have duraspark system. On the tfi trucks the computer controlls the timing advances. Might be part of the problem.

Dec 25, 2004 | 09:38 PM

Samsonitesamsonite

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From: Bellingham, WA

make sure your auto vacuum advance is working... and your timign with that unplugged..... its the single wired connecter near the distrib. after that time it to 14 degrees BTDC... get back to me and see if that helps

Dec 25, 2004 | 10:14 PM

1984 f250

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when setting timing you line up the crank timing mark with the cam timing mark? Right? And with over head cam you aim the cam mark with the mark on the head, and aim the crank mark at that? Right?