I had posted in a different section, but probably should have done it here. I recently bought a 90 Super Duty rollback with a 460 and 5 speed. It seems low on power and starts hard (like out of time). I tried to locate the spout connector and found none, but found 2 red/black wires stripped back and twisted together in the spout area by the left hood hinge area. I assumed this was originally the spout conn. I check the timing with those wires apart and together and it made no difference. It is supposed to be at 10 and it is 20+. When I rev it up, it stays right around 20,,,doesn't move at all. I'm guessing there is something wrong, computer? Module? and the previous owner changed the timing to make it run as good as possible without actually correcting the problem. Does the computer advance the timing, or the module, or the distributor? Also does that spout plug actually do anything besides connect those 2 wires...like some resistance, or other purpose. I will go the the salvage yard and get a connector and install it just in case. I don't want to risk damaging a new computer if that is what I need. Any suggestions? There is quite a bit of wiring cobbling done on the truck. I know the speedo is off a bunch, tach seems high, other gauges irratic...could all of this plus the timing be computer? I have heard of "reflashing" the computer...Does this work on 90 models? Lots of questions,,,but I'm lost and don't want to spend a bunch on a computer and not cure the problem. I'm old school and still drive some vehicles with "points",,,, remember those???? LOL..Thanks,,

 

Sounds like a bad EGR Valve.
If the computer does not see the EGR valve open it will not advance the timing.
Try pulling the codes and see if you have an EGR code.
No the SPOUT shorting bar does not do anything but connect the two wires.
The Module will change the timing when told to do so by the computer.
The distributor has no advancing capabilities.

 

Thanks for that tip....I don't know how to check the codes or stuff like that but have a friend who is much more "up" on this stuff. I will have him help me. There is another guy in town I can talk to, but he is so smart, it's like he's speaking some foreign language when I ask him something....It was so much easier when you looked in the carb to see if there was gas, adjusted the points and that was pretty much all you needed to know. But the stuff sure runs better and longer nowadays. I can't hardly imagine how good the old muscle cars would run with todays tech....427 SOHC motor with computer, fuel injection, etc...WOW...what kind of numbers would that put out...anyway, thanks again,,I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

Wow...more serious issues,,,maybe. I started checking the wiring.....bought a manual. The wire (according to the manual) coming from pin 36 from the computer, with the spout connector going to the module, is not there at all. There are 5 wires on the module not 6. I can see at the computer that there are at least 3 wires spliced,modified, and one at the module also been cobbled. Also,,,,there is not a O2 sensor at all,,,plug in the exhaust and no wiring in sight for that. I think I found the plug in the harness by the computer that hooks to another harness that goes to the O2 sensor,,,,Can this thing ever run right without that sensor????? I think if I can install the missing computer/spout/module wire, that hopefully will cure my timing problem....this could turn into a real mess....Any suggestions????

 

Go to a salvage yard and get a TFI plug and some wire.
Splice it in to your wiring while running a wire through a spout plug to the computer.
Note that some of the wires are shielded with a wrap, this wrap can only be grounded at one end or you will have problems.

 

Subford,,,I appreciate all your tips...sounds like you really know your stuff. I went to the salvage yard yesterday and got a plug from the computer, to the module and about 12" of additional wiring. I see, (on my truck) that the cluster of wires coming from the engine over to the left fender area has some of the wrapped type aluminum stuff there. There is also a wire that I can only describe as looking like co-ax cable. That is just cut off on the end....There are 5 wires at the computer plug that are just cut off or missing...#3 (vehicle speed sensor), #5 (shows to be a ground), #8 (fuel pump relay), #22 (fuel pump relay) and #36 (to spout and module). No wonder it has problems,,,,amazing it runs at all. I know when you have the key on, the fuel pump whines continuously...Anyway,,,,I don't know if this is allowed here, but I would apprecieate a call from you, if you would have a few minutes. My number is 605-882-2859...It is 8:25 here now,,,and I am going to go and remove some of the wiring covers and track down those wires with that co-ax looking one in it and see where it goes. To really complicate this whole thing...a previous owner has completely covered EVERY wire, vac hose, heater/radiator hose, EVERYTHING in some real heavy blue heat shrink type tape and it is a major job to get it off to get at the wires. You need to cut it off layer by layer with a knife. A real pain. This is a nice truck and I hope it is worth all this headache. IF you read this and would be so kind as to call me,,please give me maybe an hour till 9:30 or so to get more of the wires exposed so I know where they come from.....Thanks again....