I have a 1990 f-150 4x4 302 efi that I want to advance the timing on. What is the easiest way to do this? Thanks as always.

 

There's only one way to do it, but unless you know what you're doing, my advice is not to. Even if you can't hear it ping, it doesn't mean it's happening, and that's a good way to ruin an engine.

 

Ok I have the same truck. The timing for the 90' 302 is 10 degrees BTDC. With your engine off you'll need to disconnect the spout connector before you check/set the timing. On my truck it is located per the referenced picture below.

This is your spout connector.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g...ition/SPOUT.jpg

Next, you'll need to connect a timing light to the #1 cylinder wire to read the timing mark on the front dampener. There should be a pointer that will need to line up with the 10 degree mark. I usually make sure the area is clean and mark the 10 degree mark to make it easier to see when you shine the timing light onto the pointer and dampener. See picture below.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g...TimingMark5.jpg

Ok start you engine and check your timing. If it's not at 10 degrees BTDC, turn your engine off and loosen up the distributor. At the base of the distributor there should be a 9/16" bolt (mine is 9/16 some are 1/2") that you'll need to loosen up.. not to loose... just enough to move the distributor as needed. Ok, restart your engine and check the timing mark again and very gently/slowly turn the distributor until you can see the pointer line up with the 10 degree BTDC mark or where ever you want to set it. Carefully re tighten the bolt at the base of distributor. Double check the timing just to be sure Turn the engine off and take every thing off (timing light, etc..) and re-install the spout connector this is very important! and your done! Good luck!!

 

I think I used to run 12 degrees on my '90 302. 10 is factory as noted.

 

Thanks but your Images didn't work....

 

Hmm, sorry about that Ricky. I don't know what happend? I can't seem to get it to work. Ok, try this. Go to the search engine at the top and type in 1990 302 timing or spout connector and you might find some pictures. Good luck!!

 

I'm going to go with AndyM on this one. I took my 302 up to 12 deg and it pinged like crazy, dropped it back to 11 deg and she still pinged a bit, usually under loaded acceleration. Given the age and likely miles on your motor I'd just leave the timing at 10deg. If you just built a fresh one, and all was nice and new then sure, why not advance the timing a bit. I'm just thinking that with a well worn 17 year old motor it's best to leave it alone. Just my .02, YMMV.

Cheers!

Mike

 

The motor has 2,600 miles on it... its not even broke in. same with my trans. I am going to do all the minor mods I can right now and see what I get. I cut one cat off and ran a flow master exhaust, but im about to go duals, with some hedman headers. Some 1 5/8" tubes with 3" collectors. 14 gauge. I just don't have the money yet to buy a good distributor or coil. And I can't go without the truck long enough to put a good cam in it. I am looking for low-end power. Right now im running 3.50 gears but I found a rear end that has 4.10 that will fit my truck. I don't know I need something to bypass the computer speed sensor. The computer won't give me full throttle until im up to about 30mph. Does anybody know any fixes for this?

 

Your '90 model is going to have a speed-density system on it. Beware the cam changes unless you've already done a MAF conversion. MAF conversions ain't cheap, but probably not out of range based on the projects you've already mentioned.

If you put a radical cam in, the SD system REALLY ain't gonna like it. The vacuum pulses to the MAP sensor are gonna drive the SD computer bonkers. HOWEVER, if low end is what you're looking for, you should be able to slip a cam for an RV in there and improve the low end. Mind you, there may be firing order changes as well. Dunno exactly what year, but late 90's the firing sequence of the 302 (5.0) was changed from the 15426378 order that should be what is on your '90.

I may be pointing out details you already know, based on your apparent familiarity with the Ford, but just in case you didn't .......

 

What exactly is a MAF conversion? And im not sure but i don't think my truck has a port where i can hook up a reader to my computer, or atleast i couldn't find it....

 

it is in the engine compartment.

 

Thanks... is there any thing i can do to the computer to stop the speed density system?

 

nope. Other than switching it over to mass air




Jim

 

How much trouble is it to switch to mass air, and what all is involved.....

 

what is your over all goal for this truck?