Can't find timing mark pointer.
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Can't find timing mark pointer.
1993 3.0L
I've got a cheap timing light and I want to see if the timing is correct. No bad symptoms or anything but as the new owner of this van I want to double check it. I've removed the spout connector and wiped the dust off the timing marks. Unfortunately I can't seem to find any kind of pointer to line up with the timing marks. I'm not a mechanic and I’ve never checked timing before so I'm still learning all this stuff.
Here is a picture of the area where I can see the timing marks with the timing light. I'd think the pointer would be close but I see none.
I see a hole where it looks like something could be inserted.
Did the pointer fall out?
Is it removable?
can I get a new one?
Am I doing this right?
Thanks.
I've got a cheap timing light and I want to see if the timing is correct. No bad symptoms or anything but as the new owner of this van I want to double check it. I've removed the spout connector and wiped the dust off the timing marks. Unfortunately I can't seem to find any kind of pointer to line up with the timing marks. I'm not a mechanic and I’ve never checked timing before so I'm still learning all this stuff.
Here is a picture of the area where I can see the timing marks with the timing light. I'd think the pointer would be close but I see none.
I see a hole where it looks like something could be inserted.
Did the pointer fall out?
Is it removable?
can I get a new one?
Am I doing this right?
Thanks.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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If I recall, the pointer you're looking for is on the passenger side...from the photo, looks like you're at about the 2 O'clock position. Look at 10 or 11 O'clock position, should be there. Put white paint or liquid paper on timing mark.
M
M
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Thanks, I'll go check that out. This is going to be interesting because I don't think the timing marks will be anywhere near the pointer. I'm going to double check that I've got the inductive pickup clamp on the correct spark plug wire. I'm pretty sure I've got the clamp on the front passenger side wire which I understand to be cylinder #1.
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ok, I pryed the upper radiator hose up out of the way and looked where you said it would be. Saw this(after I cleaned it up a little)
I'm still getting use to how hard it is to see stuff in this cramped engine compartment. I was looking for some kind of needle that hung over the marks. Glad you guys know your stuff.
I double checked that I've got the clamp on the correct wire. I also checked that the timing light pickup is not in close proximity to any other ignition wires. Everything is ok as Far as I can tell. However the marks are still no where near the pointer. It seems off by almost 90 degrees. Is it possible that the pulley is not aligned correctly? Unless anybody suggest otherwise I think I'm going to remove the number one spark plug and verify that those marks agree with Actual TDC.
I'm still getting use to how hard it is to see stuff in this cramped engine compartment. I was looking for some kind of needle that hung over the marks. Glad you guys know your stuff.
I double checked that I've got the clamp on the correct wire. I also checked that the timing light pickup is not in close proximity to any other ignition wires. Everything is ok as Far as I can tell. However the marks are still no where near the pointer. It seems off by almost 90 degrees. Is it possible that the pulley is not aligned correctly? Unless anybody suggest otherwise I think I'm going to remove the number one spark plug and verify that those marks agree with Actual TDC.
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Originally Posted by ken1mod
If you look for trouble, you will surely find it. If your truck runs well, don't mess with it. Check the timing on your friend's pick-up.
Ken
Ken
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From: Houston, TX
Aero,
After reading your post I checked my Haynes, and nowhere does it say to disconnect the SPOUT. Here are the steps:
(I'll skip the obvious, like apply the parking brake)....
1. Warm up the engine. Once you reach operating temperature, turn it off.
2. Unplug the single wire connector located immediately above the harnes connector for the TFI-IV module (this is a round connector).
3. Connect an inductive timing light.
4. Start the engine.
5. Check the alignment mark on the crank pulley.
6. If it's not on, loosen the distributor hold down and adjust.
Klaus Cook
Houston, Texas
After reading your post I checked my Haynes, and nowhere does it say to disconnect the SPOUT. Here are the steps:
(I'll skip the obvious, like apply the parking brake)....
1. Warm up the engine. Once you reach operating temperature, turn it off.
2. Unplug the single wire connector located immediately above the harnes connector for the TFI-IV module (this is a round connector).
3. Connect an inductive timing light.
4. Start the engine.
5. Check the alignment mark on the crank pulley.
6. If it's not on, loosen the distributor hold down and adjust.
Klaus Cook
Houston, Texas
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cookkd, I appreciate you looking that up. I've got the Haynes manual also. It seems that Haynes only list the instructions for the TFI-IV ignition system which I don't think I have because my distributor looks different. I don't have the little flat black box mounted to it. I got the spout info from a sticker under my hood. Here is a pic of the sticker.
Here is a pic of my distributor.
Here is a pic of my distributor.
Elder User
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
At some point during production Ford moved the TFI module to the passenger side inner fender near the hood hinge. It's on a finned aluminum heat sink.
I checked the timing on my 95 3.0L about 3 years ago. As far as I can remember, I think I had to remove the serpentine belt to properly see the timing marks. Just can't take too long checking it...
Cheers,
Eric
I checked the timing on my 95 3.0L about 3 years ago. As far as I can remember, I think I had to remove the serpentine belt to properly see the timing marks. Just can't take too long checking it...
Cheers,
Eric
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ahh, that would explain it. I wonder if they moved it because of over heating. I looked up TFI once and a lot of what I found was info about TFI overheating.
I removed my #1 spark plug and position the piston to within 10 degrees plus or minus of TDC and the Timing marks aren’t even close to where they're supposed to be in relation to the pointer.
What would cause this?
Did somebody tinker with something?
I’m probably just going to leave it alone but if fixing it isn’t too hard I might tackle it one day.
Anybody know how to realign that pulley? Do you just loosen a bolt, rotate and re tighten? I'm guessing there's more too it than that. It however would be nice if it was that simple.
I removed my #1 spark plug and position the piston to within 10 degrees plus or minus of TDC and the Timing marks aren’t even close to where they're supposed to be in relation to the pointer.
What would cause this?
Did somebody tinker with something?
I’m probably just going to leave it alone but if fixing it isn’t too hard I might tackle it one day.
Anybody know how to realign that pulley? Do you just loosen a bolt, rotate and re tighten? I'm guessing there's more too it than that. It however would be nice if it was that simple.
Last edited by Aeromac121; Jul 4, 2006 at 10:20 PM.
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
Yes, overheating was the reason they were moved.
The timing mark is on the harmonic balancer, which is keyed to the snout of the crankshaft to maintain the proper balance. It *can't* be assembled wrong.
I remember I had a real hard time seeing the timing mark & pointer, but it was three years ago & my memory is a little foggy. Try looking down at about the 10 or 11 o'clock position, but straight down the front of the engine - don't look through the brackets & accessories - look behind them. As I posted before I had *something* off to see the marks. I think it was just the belt, but it may have been the belt and one of the idler pulleys.
If you have an inspection mirror, or can hold a mirror in the fan shroud (engine off, obviously), use it to look straight at the front of the harmonic balancer when #1 is at TDC. The different perspective may help you identify what and/or where the pointer actually is.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Eric
The timing mark is on the harmonic balancer, which is keyed to the snout of the crankshaft to maintain the proper balance. It *can't* be assembled wrong.
I remember I had a real hard time seeing the timing mark & pointer, but it was three years ago & my memory is a little foggy. Try looking down at about the 10 or 11 o'clock position, but straight down the front of the engine - don't look through the brackets & accessories - look behind them. As I posted before I had *something* off to see the marks. I think it was just the belt, but it may have been the belt and one of the idler pulleys.
If you have an inspection mirror, or can hold a mirror in the fan shroud (engine off, obviously), use it to look straight at the front of the harmonic balancer when #1 is at TDC. The different perspective may help you identify what and/or where the pointer actually is.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Eric
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here's where the items are located on my aero. but its an 89 and the tfi module is located on the distributor. so your spout could be located else where different from mine.
but if you have the 3.0l, your timing pointer should be here. remove the air cleaner hose from the throttle body and move it out of the way. push the upper rad hose out of the way. and look down through the pulleys, you should see this.
but if you have the 3.0l, your timing pointer should be here. remove the air cleaner hose from the throttle body and move it out of the way. push the upper rad hose out of the way. and look down through the pulleys, you should see this.