Tune up
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: LIttleton USA
Tune up
Well this will be my first real tune up using a timing gun and I really don't have any idea what I am doing or what I am supposed to do. I have read on how to do it but I still not sure on how to do it. I have new plugs ready to be put in. The book I read really didn't help me on how to do this can anyone help me? It's on a 78 F150 Camper Special 351M. Also it the pvc fitting suppose to make a loud sucking noise? Thanks
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Tune up
If you have read the service books and still can't figure it out there is not much we can tell you here but repeat what is in the books. I would suggest you find a friend or co-worker that has performed tune ups b4 and let them teach you the ropes. There is nothing like a personal instructor:-)
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) not PVC (type of plastic, Poly Vinyl Chloride)will make a sucking noise when you pull it out on a running engine. The valve modulates the amount of air flowing thru the engine to flush out combustion gasses that get past the rings. Replace the PCV valve whenever you perform a tune up no mattter what it looks like. The valves have specific calibrations that can't be tested so the valve must be replaced. The spring inside the valve is not of the highest quality and fails quickly.
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) not PVC (type of plastic, Poly Vinyl Chloride)will make a sucking noise when you pull it out on a running engine. The valve modulates the amount of air flowing thru the engine to flush out combustion gasses that get past the rings. Replace the PCV valve whenever you perform a tune up no mattter what it looks like. The valves have specific calibrations that can't be tested so the valve must be replaced. The spring inside the valve is not of the highest quality and fails quickly.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Tune up
Hmmmm, I have a 78 with a 400, basicly the same setup, My PS and AC are on the drivers side. The timing pointer is on the passenger side in plain sight. The timing mark numbers are on the harmonic damper pulley.
I cleaned the pulley real well with sandpaper, wire brush, and brake parts cleaner then painted the numbers white with appliance paint and wiped the excess off. It left the numbers filled with white paint and easy to read. I painted the edge of the pointer after cleaning also for high visibility.
I cleaned the pulley real well with sandpaper, wire brush, and brake parts cleaner then painted the numbers white with appliance paint and wiped the excess off. It left the numbers filled with white paint and easy to read. I painted the edge of the pointer after cleaning also for high visibility.
