Timing Advance
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Elwood Doniphin
Timing Advance
I'm new to this so here goes.I just bought a 85 f150 4x4,it had some real trouble,but is running now.The problem I am having is the timing won't advance on the highway,it has no power.I unplugged the single wire by the distributor & it doesn't change the timing when checking with a light.I don't know if this year has a solid,or mechanical distributor.Please help.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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Timing Advance
Pull the cap and see if the mech. advance assy. is clean. Make sure the vacuum line is clear. Test drive.
If there's still a problem you could try another vac. advance module.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong on this troubleshooting sequence.
If there's still a problem you could try another vac. advance module.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong on this troubleshooting sequence.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 105
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Timing Advance
No vacuum advance, hmmmm. Did you pull off the cap and see if the springs and little cams and levers are operational? This is mechanical advance apparatus located underneath the points, condenser, etc.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=289&.jpg
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=289&.jpg
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 105
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Timing Advance
Oops then it's a problem that I am too old school to help with. Sorry...
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=291
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2001
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Timing Advance
First, clean all your electrical connections. It may be your airflow sensor. It's mounted on the passenger's side fender, behind the battery. There's a vacuum line with a red stripe on it. As the manifold vacuum rises, the sensor changes frequency, and the computer adjusts the timing. Could be dirty connections, or the sensor could be bad. If you have an oscilloscope, you can check it, otherwise it's a replace item. I think it's around $30, from Autozone.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
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Timing Advance
The pastor of our church's daughter had an 85 Bronco that acted the same as you discribe. Gas mileage was terrible too. Problem was the computer. There is one other possibility, the spout connector. If it is unplugged you have effectivly disabled computer control of the distributor. (this is the plug that you unplug to set base timing.) Herman
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Timing Advance
First establish if the timing is not advancing by hooking atiming light to the engine and rev it up a bit...watch the timing mark if it is not moving it is stuck in the default mode (eec-IV).
Now the fun begins if it does not move.....
The wonderful (Ford better idea computer) has MULTIPLE yes multiple hot lines running to it. For the ignition advance Pin 37 on the computer is the hot line. This should be hot when the ignition switch is in the on position only.
An additional check (from the been there done that file
) is the entire eec-IV connector at the distributor. The wires are not the best (thank you Ford better idea) and are prone to cracking. I visited a junk yard and replaced the entire connector assembly. The spout connector is very prone to broken wires.
If you replace and connections or splice in to obtain a new hot line to the computer (done that too!) be sure to solder and water proof all connections.
Happy holidays,
Bob
Now the fun begins if it does not move.....
The wonderful (Ford better idea computer) has MULTIPLE yes multiple hot lines running to it. For the ignition advance Pin 37 on the computer is the hot line. This should be hot when the ignition switch is in the on position only.
An additional check (from the been there done that file
) is the entire eec-IV connector at the distributor. The wires are not the best (thank you Ford better idea) and are prone to cracking. I visited a junk yard and replaced the entire connector assembly. The spout connector is very prone to broken wires.If you replace and connections or splice in to obtain a new hot line to the computer (done that too!) be sure to solder and water proof all connections.
Happy holidays,
Bob
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
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I beleive that I am having the same trouble, no advance with the electronic control. I am not worried about emmissions or anything like that, i have alot of the electronic stuff disconnected or removed, with an aftermarket 4bbl carb. I have truck tags on it so again, i dont really care about any of the electronic stuff or emissions. Is it possible to simply slap a vacuum advance distributor in this engine, run the vaccum line strait to the intake manifold and be done with it? Where I stand it would cost me ALOT more time and money to try and get the entire electrical system up and running than it would to replace the distributor. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!
Eric
Eric
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Meggett SC
Had a simular problem on my 84 TFI IV ignition, After much messing around I replaced the TFI connector with a new splice in replacement connector from Rockauto.com about $18.00. Also check the wiring where the spout connector wire buries itself into the harness. It goes in with 2 other wires. This cable is shielded but you cant see the shielding because it is hidden by the tape where the cables go into the bundle. The strain from disconnecting the spout connector causes the spout wire to damage its insulation and sometimes short to the shield. Shorting to shield usually causes the engine to shut off intermitantly.
Good luck
Good luck