Question regarding engine timing
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Question regarding engine timing
Hello,
I own a '94 Ranger w/ a 4.0 V6 engine, and seem to be experiencing timing issues upon initial startup of the engine. When I first start the engine, it does start normally, but then bogs down as if it seems like it is going to shut off, but it does stay running. I've remembered this from the days when the engine timing would be slightly off and would need to be adjusted. From what I've read in the service manual for this year truck, the engine timing is preset and is non-adjustable. I just wanted to obtain some clarification on this, and if it is indeed unable to be adjusted, would this mean that any of the ignition components (distributor, coil, timing belt, wires, etc.) would need replacing? It just had the plugs changed and gapped per Ford's recommendations. It is not a serious issue, but would just like to know in case it does escalate into something more severe. Thanks.
I own a '94 Ranger w/ a 4.0 V6 engine, and seem to be experiencing timing issues upon initial startup of the engine. When I first start the engine, it does start normally, but then bogs down as if it seems like it is going to shut off, but it does stay running. I've remembered this from the days when the engine timing would be slightly off and would need to be adjusted. From what I've read in the service manual for this year truck, the engine timing is preset and is non-adjustable. I just wanted to obtain some clarification on this, and if it is indeed unable to be adjusted, would this mean that any of the ignition components (distributor, coil, timing belt, wires, etc.) would need replacing? It just had the plugs changed and gapped per Ford's recommendations. It is not a serious issue, but would just like to know in case it does escalate into something more severe. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
That's right, the timing on your Ranger cannot be adjusted, it is set at 10* BTDC.
Ignition-related components such as plugs, plug wires, and occasionally the crankshaft position sensor and even the coilpack, can and do wear out.
Are you sure your startup idle problem is ignition-related? Have you checked for stored trouble codes? You don't even need to have a scanner to pull the codes, you can use a simple jumper wire and watch the CEL blink. Just find the EEC Test Connector(s) under the hood that look like this (they may have covers on them):
and then follow these instructions which apply to all Ford EEC-IV (pre '96)vehicles: http://www.shophoenixproject.com/eec/eec.htm
Ignition-related components such as plugs, plug wires, and occasionally the crankshaft position sensor and even the coilpack, can and do wear out.
Are you sure your startup idle problem is ignition-related? Have you checked for stored trouble codes? You don't even need to have a scanner to pull the codes, you can use a simple jumper wire and watch the CEL blink. Just find the EEC Test Connector(s) under the hood that look like this (they may have covers on them):
and then follow these instructions which apply to all Ford EEC-IV (pre '96)vehicles: http://www.shophoenixproject.com/eec/eec.htm
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I'm not certain that it is ignition-related, and after viewing some other posts it looks as if others are experiencing similar problems. I have not tried pulling codes, so I shall give that a go before replacing parts at random. Something interesting that I found regarded the idle air control (IAC) valve as being problematic w/ similar symptoms to what the engine is experiencing. Thank you very much for the link to the test codes, this will be extremely helpful.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I don't believe that the IAC has ever been replaced, at least since I've owned the vehicle (about five years). I don't imagine it would hurt to replace, but really don't want to spend the money on something if it really doesn't need it. Still, though, much less expensive than taking it to the dealer 
I'll run the diagnostics and see what I come up with. Thanks for your assistance.
I'll run the diagnostics and see what I come up with. Thanks for your assistance.
