Have a 77 F150 w/ 390 swapped engine- pretty stock w/ electronic ignition. By mistake the dist got moved and now I cant start it. When replacing the temp sending I moved the dist as it was loose and I did not know it.

Before this the truck ran great. How can I reset the timing?

I have a timing light, but do not know how to use it. Also tried to start it by moving the dist around 1/2 inch but no go.

Thanks

 

Look closely at the marks left by the clamp.......Your timing light will help after it is running, but not for making it start.....Moving it a 1/2 inch at a time won't work. Try 1/8th inch, in the same direction, repeat....Or, bring the timing mark up to TDC, open the cap and see where the rotor is pointing. It should be at #1, or directly away from #1....Line it up and try it.....then learn how to use the light..........I'm kinda lost here, not knowing where to begin to help you.........aMP

 

Did you remove the dizzy during this process with the water temp sender ? If not disregard he rest of this. If so make sure the oil drive shaft is in place by looking down in the dizzy hole with a light. Should be sitting right in the center of the boss a 1/4" hex head shaft's end. Rotate the engine by hand with the #1 plug out and assure when it is brought to TDC on the damper the #1 spark plug hole has compression(use your finger over the hole) while someone turns the engine over. Once at TDC , mark the side of the dizzy with a marker next to the #1 spark plug lead . Remove the dizzy cap and insert the dizzy in the hole, align the rotor to just left of the mark and seat the dizzy . As the gears mesh the rotor should end up at your mark on the side of the dizzy. No ..lift it up just away from the gears move the rotor accordinly & give it another shot till it does. Put cap back on/the hold down in place and tighten just lightly snug, then try to start it up. Once running shut it down connect the timing light crank again and let warm to normal temperature 180º then set the timing with the light by adjusting the dizzy position. Be careful not to be hit by the fan. Once it is correct shut the truck off and tighten the dizzy hold down. Then restart and recheck the timing with the light to be sure it didnt move. All ok, deconnect the light and enjoy... BOL Bob

 

Not to mess up blakeusa's timing problem, but I don't know how to get my question in. Have 410 (390 w/428 crank), 9.5 to 1 compression, truck pings during the hot months (May - October) even on 91 octane. Put lead substitute in with no luck. Sooo, how far can I retard the timing (6 degrees now) and still climb the mountains without pinging?

 

Don't put lead substitute, use octane booster.

 

Retard it any more than 6* and it won't run period. Could be you need to recurve the distributor. And/or richen the jets.

 

Filled up yesterday, 91 octane, $36.00+ @3.27/9, added one can/bottle of "Snap" octane booster. Left timing to spec and drove to the top of Cougar Pass, which is at 7500 ft. (St George is at 2400 ft) Every thing went well. Problem solved and thanks to you and the others who replied.