7.3 IP Timing
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7.3 IP Timing
I have been trying to set the timing on my 7.3 using a Tach & Time.
Tried with a timing light and without.
I can't seem to get a stable reading. is it me? Is this a common problem? Is there a better tool for setting this timing?
Should I shut up and just be glad it is running?
Tried with a timing light and without.
I can't seem to get a stable reading. is it me? Is this a common problem? Is there a better tool for setting this timing?
Should I shut up and just be glad it is running?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
i've used the tach and time unit and the read out guage. no timing light and find it is pretty hard to get a steady reading without the tool to adjust the throttle to specified rpm but made one of my own and it worked pretty well. You have to make sure the pulse sensor is RRRRRRRRRREALLLY TIGHT on the pickup adapter and the pickup probe on the harmonic balancer is just off the balancer and all parts are clean.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Beaumont Tx
I have a SnapOn timing meter and a Rotunda unit. I believe the Rotunda unit is similar to the Tach-N-Time. I ran into the same problem with the Rotunda unit. I had to run a piece of sand paper over the balancer and clean the groove out to get a solid reading. I was told by a Ford tech that they had a weak magnet in the RPM probe and that was why they tend to jump. As long as you're using the luminosity probe just set the engine to 1 degree ATDC at idle and leave it alone. Make sure you disconnect the timing advance wire from the pump before you try to set the timing because that will also cause it to jump around. I'm not sure what the settings would be with a pulse adapter though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Powell River B.C.
I have a Tach and time, works great-make sure the harmonic balancer is clean, I sanded mine down and gave it a spray bomb light coat of white- to keep rust off,
Also as per directions, make sure the pulse adapter is as close to the injector as possible, I've cleaned that section of the line clean with scotch brite, spray with WD-40 for rust- clean and tight connection-no problems. As for the magnetic pic up probe, I run mine into the fixture with a peice of paper between the balancer and the probe, then pull out the paper- you have the probe as close as possible without it rubbing on the balancer. Good luck
Also as per directions, make sure the pulse adapter is as close to the injector as possible, I've cleaned that section of the line clean with scotch brite, spray with WD-40 for rust- clean and tight connection-no problems. As for the magnetic pic up probe, I run mine into the fixture with a peice of paper between the balancer and the probe, then pull out the paper- you have the probe as close as possible without it rubbing on the balancer. Good luck
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Beaumont Tx
KJLYPW I have a question about the pulse adapter. The one with my Rotunda unit seems to fit the best right on the injection line nut at the injector. Is that okay? I'm under no illusions about my SnapOn unit lasting forever. I know I'll have to eventually use the Rotunda unit. It has two lummy probes with it but I want to be sure I know how to hook up the pulse adapter just in case.
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From: Powell River B.C.
Brimmstone: The tach-n-time pick up is for the 1/4" line. The rotunda unit is likely designed to fit on the timing adapter that is screwed right on top of the #1 injector on the F series, #4 on the E series. It is cylinder shaped section between the injector and the Injector line nut. I think its about 1" long and 1/2-5/8" diameter (or there about). Anyway the clamp on pulse adapter (whatever size your using) should clamp completely and tightly around the line or the adapter, I doubt it works around the nut- which may in fact damage it.
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Posting Guru
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From: Powell River B.C.
Brimmstone: The tach-n-time pick up is for the 1/4" line. The rotunda unit is likely designed to fit on the timing adapter that is screwed right on top of the #1 injector on the F series, #4 on the E series. It is cylinder shaped section between the injector and the Injector line nut. I think its about 1" long and 1/2-5/8" diameter (or there about). Anyway the clamp on pulse adapter (whatever size your using) should clamp completely and tightly around the line or the adapter, I doubt it works around the nut- which may in fact damage it.
Pulse adapter timing 6.9 or 7.3 is 8.5 BTDC at 2000 rpm, mine is about 14 at idle.
Pulse adapter timing 6.9 or 7.3 is 8.5 BTDC at 2000 rpm, mine is about 14 at idle.
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Posting Guru
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From: Powell River B.C.
BTDC- with the pulse method- you are sensing the fuel charge in the line before the injector pops, ATDC is for the luminocity sensor, looking for the fire in the hole after the injector pops, I believe the number there is .5 -1* ATDC @ 2000 using the luminocity method. (not sure about that number exactly- search will verify).
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Beaumont Tx
Okay that makes sense. I tried to mount the pulse adapter onto the little piece between the line and the injector I got off another engine but it wouldn't fit at all. I'm confused now because my truck didn't have that at all on it when I got it. Is it possible my 6.9 was made before they were used. It's an 87 F350 with a 6.9 and manual trans. As usual this truck is getting me confused. I know when I timed it I used my SnapOn with the lummy probe and set it at 1 degree ATDC at 800 RPM. I tried to raise it up higher but the reading just maxed out on me. It seems to run great. When it's on cold advance it has a rattle to it and as soon as it gets warm or I unplug the wire the rattle goes away.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Most of the 6.9 engines did not have the pulse adapter, timing was set with the luminosity probe.
I have seen a few, very few 87 6.9's that did have the pulse adapter, but not sure if the were added later or what.
I have seen a few, very few 87 6.9's that did have the pulse adapter, but not sure if the were added later or what.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Beaumont Tx
I'll have to make sure to hang onto it then. Right now it's sitting in the top of my main tool box. I'll eventually either buy another SnapOn unit or put the pulse adapter onto my engine. I have the set of lines it came with and will just mount them onto the pump when it's time to upgrade. Either that or I'll go over to the dark side and go with a newer PSD truck. Of course if I get my way the next truck I get will be either a Unimog or a CXT. I had a Mog years ago and miss the old beast. The CXT was just a fun truck to drive when I test drove one when they came out. Thanks for all the help folks.