My name is Steve and I was hoping someone could help solve a problem that is confusing me. I bought an 1988 Ford F150 PU body about a year and one half ago. It had no engine so I had a cut rate mechanic purchase a used one (running) and put it in the truck. It is a 4.9 L straight six with a manual transmission. I had it smogged origional and it passed. I now need to have it smogged again (California) for registration and I was told by a smog (test only station) the timing was to advanced at 14 % BTDC and it should have been 10% BTDC. I also was told some vacume hoses needed to be replaced and some rubber nipple caps put on a hose end. I did the repair and checked the ignition timing. I ultimately found the timing mark for 0% TDC and according to my timing light which is able to be advanced up to 60 % which was where the timing mark was located with the enging running well at the 10% BTDC and my timing light advance set at 60% BTDC for a total of 70% BTDC.I used the proper procccdure of removing the shorting plug to test timing on the Motorcraft TFI-IV with single wire SPOUT connector. Distributor has no vacume advance. I think something is out of alignment 60% advanced. I don't know what it is.

Does anyone have a clue since I am clueless and the engine runs perfectly?

 

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