timming question
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Senior User
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timming question
just wondering what should i set my timming to on my 1980 F-100 with the 300 to get all the power i can without all the spark knock? or just run high test gas in it? i think its like 14 before TDC right?
thanks alot,
thecowboy
thanks alot,
thecowboy
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
While were on the subject. What is the best setting for a 300 set up in a 65 F100? I say set up in because it is a 75 or so engine with, for now, the original Autolite carb and point type ignition. I think I have it set at around 8. Let me rephrase my question. What is the best setting for mileage? Forget power. I'm talkin' MPG. Anybody feel my pain?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
Wow! 19, thats a good number. I don't have any light now but I could probably just turn the distributor a tad and be within that range. I'm still debating on how much better a Carter YF will be than the original Autolite 1100 carburetor. As soon as I got fed up with the Autolite and bought a Carter the Autolite has performed fine. Many say that the Carter upgrade is not only more reliable but economical as well. I want to do anything I can to get better mileage and make it reasonable to keep my truck on the road. I probably should get a Pertronix for the ignition as long as I am talking economy. Lots to think about....
Last edited by GregTruck; Apr 6, 2005 at 11:29 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
Now I'm more confused than ever Rhetor says up to 13. The factory evidently says 10. Savage says 4-6 and gets 19 MPG.
Upsideundersidewaysdown... Yeah, Thats the way to go
Upsideundersidewaysdown... Yeah, Thats the way to go
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Greenville, SC
GregTruck,
My '65 shop manual says 6 BTDC is the standard timing for 240/300. That's what I'm currently running with my stock 240 (autolite 1101, loadomatic distributor).
Power is OK, not great, particularly heading up long steep grades. I have a slight off-idle stumble. I am also occasionally seeing the flood problem, where the carb is flooded for about 10-15 minutes after shutdown.
I am currently averaging only about 12 mpg.
I have EFI manifolds and walker downpipe, but haven't installed them, yet. I'm hoping this will help a little at least on the mpg.
My '65 shop manual says 6 BTDC is the standard timing for 240/300. That's what I'm currently running with my stock 240 (autolite 1101, loadomatic distributor).
Power is OK, not great, particularly heading up long steep grades. I have a slight off-idle stumble. I am also occasionally seeing the flood problem, where the carb is flooded for about 10-15 minutes after shutdown.
I am currently averaging only about 12 mpg.
I have EFI manifolds and walker downpipe, but haven't installed them, yet. I'm hoping this will help a little at least on the mpg.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 132
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My '77 shop manual says the factory setting was 10* +/-2* for the 300 that year. Mine idled poorly at 10*, so I bumped it up to 12* and it's great now!
Unfortunately for me, the stock type distributor is fubar'd and the mechanical advance is pulling at 1300RPM, and the vacuum is kicking in whenever it feels like it. I think I need a better distributor....
Unfortunately for me, the stock type distributor is fubar'd and the mechanical advance is pulling at 1300RPM, and the vacuum is kicking in whenever it feels like it. I think I need a better distributor....
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 179
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From: Central Virginia
In my opinion, there is no one “correct” setting for timing. The factory timing is a compromise that works reasonably well in many parts of the country. For best economy and performance, timing should be set to allow for your driving style, quality of gas, local weather, altitude, ect.
The best timing for my truck with regular gas in the costal plains of Virginia is going to be different from a truck in Denver. I set my timing with a vacuum gauge. I adjust the distributor for maximum vacuum at idle then retard slightly to eliminate knock.
Maybe some of the more experienced forum members will chime in and let me know if I’m too far off base on this topic.
The best timing for my truck with regular gas in the costal plains of Virginia is going to be different from a truck in Denver. I set my timing with a vacuum gauge. I adjust the distributor for maximum vacuum at idle then retard slightly to eliminate knock.
Maybe some of the more experienced forum members will chime in and let me know if I’m too far off base on this topic.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: redding U.S.A.
FordF150Fixer, this is a common method of adjusting timing. Its a great way to do it on 300s being that its hard to trust the damper with all this internet conspiracy going around about it slipping...