timing all wrong
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 90
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From: billings, mt
timing all wrong
I have a 390 fe that is way out of timing. I have never adjusted the timing before and my manual is not very understandable. I know you have to losen the distributer and move it side to side while using a timing light. but what do i piont the light at and how can i tell if I adjusted it right. and with the timing right it wont smoke as much? thank you for any info.
-Kyle
-Kyle
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
There is a timing TAB down on the passenger side of crankshaft that points to the balancer. Rotate the crank around and you'll see marks stamped into balancer. TDC, then slash marks for 1,2,3,4-20+ degrees. Hook the timing light to the #1 plug wire(front pass side) and point light to that pointer and idle engine. The strobe light will then illuminate and show where the pointer is point at on the balancer. It should be around 8-10 degrees(stock is like 6). Loosen the dizzy(1/2" wrench) and rotate the dizzy counterclockwise to RETRARD(move the numbers DOWN), clockwise to ADVANCE(RAISE the number). It won't take much rotation, very slight movement.
Depends on what kind of smoke. Blue? that's oil, white? that's water/antifreeze, black? thats too rich carb. Timing won't make any difference but for MAYBE the black. Depends how really screwed up it is.
Depends on what kind of smoke. Blue? that's oil, white? that's water/antifreeze, black? thats too rich carb. Timing won't make any difference but for MAYBE the black. Depends how really screwed up it is.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 731
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From: in the springs
may want to check the vacume advance if it isnt running good. take the cap off and look down at the arm and suck on the hose you should be able to see the arm move if not you should replace it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
Assuming your distributor is stock and in good condition, here's an easy way to set your timing using a lighted electrical tester (it looks like an ice pick).
Turn the engine over by hand until the pointer on the timing cover lines up with either the advance mark or 12 degrees advance mark on the dampner. Loosen the dist. hold down bolt so you can move/twist the distributor. after making certain the #1 piston is at top dead center by looking through the spark plug hole. Turn on the ignition key on while having the wire end grounded on the engine or negative side of the battery you then put the point of the probe/ice pick at the base of the points, twist the distributor and watch for the light to flash. At that point the engine will have a static timing set of 12 degrees advance. And thats close enough to get it running.
Turn the engine over by hand until the pointer on the timing cover lines up with either the advance mark or 12 degrees advance mark on the dampner. Loosen the dist. hold down bolt so you can move/twist the distributor. after making certain the #1 piston is at top dead center by looking through the spark plug hole. Turn on the ignition key on while having the wire end grounded on the engine or negative side of the battery you then put the point of the probe/ice pick at the base of the points, twist the distributor and watch for the light to flash. At that point the engine will have a static timing set of 12 degrees advance. And thats close enough to get it running.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
Yup, it really works fine when building an engine if it has a points type ignition you get it timed on the engine stand and then drop it into the car or truck and astound all those that sre expecting to see you fumbling around trying to get the motor started
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,785
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From: Mddl A MexCans
This is how I the mechanic set up my 135 Mercury 2 stroke. (static timing) Turn the ignition on and watch the spark from plug to block while moving the flywheel and watching the dial indicator. Starts up on a dime!
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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" IF IT HAS POINTS IGNITION" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it's the Duraspark you have to hold onto # 1 sparkplug wire and point the timing light at your right eye and have someone start the engine !!!
Seriously though, I've been reading some of your posts and you need to aquire some basic knowledge of the Otto Cycle engine before you hurt yourself (or others). JMO
If it's the Duraspark you have to hold onto # 1 sparkplug wire and point the timing light at your right eye and have someone start the engine !!!
Seriously though, I've been reading some of your posts and you need to aquire some basic knowledge of the Otto Cycle engine before you hurt yourself (or others). JMO
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
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Before you guys jump all over me you must realize this is a 19 year old kid with very little automotive knowledge. I can just imagine him sticking his hand (with the timing light) into the moving belts or fan. He should be using the "search" function and READING as much as he can before attempting the "hands on" stuff. JMO.
Sorry if anyone is offended. I can't stress SAFETY enough. ( the first part of my last post is just a JOKE. I don't think even Cowboy would do that).
Sorry if anyone is offended. I can't stress SAFETY enough. ( the first part of my last post is just a JOKE. I don't think even Cowboy would do that).
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 90
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From: billings, mt
Thanks I got it timed. and Tyqmonn I may not know much when it comes to trucks but I'm not a retard. I am not going to put my hand in a moving belt or fan. I have been reading past posts alot.
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