1973 302 ignition timing
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Postmaster
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From: NJ
1973 302 ignition timing
I just finished putting motor back in truck after doing rear main seal, and other gaskets, and a timing set. Motor was set at TDC. Starts up and runs well. Good idle. I would like to get the timing set. I don't have an emission sticker under hood and my book says to refer to it. What should I set the timing at and does it have to be done with vac. advance hose plugged? Thanks for the help.
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Mil1ion, I am curious about what book you get this info from. I, too, have a '73 F100 with the 302. The factory manual (engine) says to see the specification book which says to see the decal which is also gone. I got (from where I don't remember) 12BTDC and the PO has it marked that way on the harmonic balancer (?). I know you have right info so I'm going with 6BTDC. Just curious where it comes from. Did Ford not expect their trucks to outlast the decal?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Truth or Consequences, NM
IMHO, the best way to time an engine is to remove the vac hose from the dist and run the engine at around 3500 RPM while using a timing light with the delay wheel on the back (or a timing tape on the balancer) and set the total mechanical timing at about 34* to 36*. Then hook up the vac and road test it on the highway with the engine at highway speed. If you feel a little surging the timing is a little fast and back her off a little.
Hope it helps!
Hope it helps!
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The book is Peterson's FORD ..Tune-up & Repair
Ford's Lincolns and Mercury's since 1970
ISBN0-8227-5041-4
I looked at the specs again and noticed a reference #14 which is If 6*BTDC doesn't work.....refer to engine decal.
I also have this though .
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...e-upSpecs.html
Ford's Lincolns and Mercury's since 1970
ISBN0-8227-5041-4
I looked at the specs again and noticed a reference #14 which is If 6*BTDC doesn't work.....refer to engine decal.
I also have this though .
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...e-upSpecs.html
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On the 74 F100 that I had with 302,I set mine at 10*btdc.Worked great.And when I swapped in a DS2 setup,used the same setting.Also worked great.
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From: Huntsville, AL
Manual Trans, 302 should be at 10 degrees. I'm running at 13 right now for a little added power after converting the ignition over to Pertronix. Runs great. Also running 93 octane to account for the increase in timing.
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From: NJ
Originally Posted by BigShelby
Manual Trans, 302 should be at 10 degrees. I'm running at 13 right now for a little added power after converting the ignition over to Pertronix. Runs great. Also running 93 octane to account for the increase in timing.
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