That's How Many Degrees?
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Senior User
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From: Northern New Mexico
That's How Many Degrees?
We are trying to tune the 64 F-500, this would be the truck with the mystery FE engine. Not original, this one has "Mercury" stamped in script on the valve covers. Many Ford Heads have suggested it is a 352 out of a car. I am trying to time it with an actual Timing LIght! The problem is that my 1972 Motors Manual contains timing specs for all the truck v-8s ranging from 6, 8, 10, 12 degrees BTDC. Naturally there is nothing about car engines like the 352. So, does anyone know what the timing spec BTDC is for the 352? Since this truck lives and drive between 7,500 and 9,000 feet, is addtional advance advisable? I found the timing mark on the bottom pulley- the 45 degree has mark which I am guessing is the timing mark. Or, is the flywheel the more appropriate location?
Thank you again. The members of this forum have been an invaluable help and your efforts are appreciated.
Thank you again. The members of this forum have been an invaluable help and your efforts are appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
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From: Escondido, CA
There are no marks on the harmonic balancer? If it comes down to that you can set the engine to TDC on the compression stroke and use timing tape to time it better. Its only a matter of pulling the #1 spark plug, putting your finger over the hole, and feeling for the compression to build. Take your finger off the hole and look at the pointer for a set of marks to line up with it. You might also need to scrub the dirty/dust off the harmonic balancer to see the lines. To truely find TDC stick a wire coat hanger end down the hole and rotate the engine until it stops moving up. Don't use a short piece of wire though, just cut it once and keep it whole. You wont be able to drop it in the cylinder then.
If you have a vacuum gauge you can time it as well. Adjust the distributor to the highest steady vacuum reading at idle. Just be sure to hook it up to a open vacuum port. Test drive it and back it off a little if needed.
If you have a vacuum gauge you can time it as well. Adjust the distributor to the highest steady vacuum reading at idle. Just be sure to hook it up to a open vacuum port. Test drive it and back it off a little if needed.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Northern New Mexico
Mark, thanks a lot.
Harmonic Balancer? I have heard of those things but not exactly sure where I would find it. It is outside the block connected to the crankshaft, right? IT is not one of the pulley wheels?
Not knowing how many degrees. I was going to start with 6 and go up from there.
Harmonic Balancer? I have heard of those things but not exactly sure where I would find it. It is outside the block connected to the crankshaft, right? IT is not one of the pulley wheels?
Not knowing how many degrees. I was going to start with 6 and go up from there.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
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From: Escondido, CA
The harmonic balancer is behind the lowest pulley sticking out of the timing cover just above the oil pan. Sometimes the harmonic balancer is a pulley but it will be in the same spot. If this is the case scrub on the timing pointer to unearth the degree marks. Sometimes it helps to use chaulk or a sharpie to highlight the lines.
Starting at 6 degrees is fine.
Starting at 6 degrees is fine.
Last edited by airharley; Jun 6, 2008 at 01:59 PM. Reason: missing info
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