Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

easy method to check for timing

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 11:07 PM
  #1  
cjlafa's Avatar
cjlafa
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
easy method to check for timing

have f-250 5.8 351 want to know easy way to check if my timing chain needs to be re placed or any adjustments made ? heard of method by #1 TDC on compression stroke and looking at pully and timing marks could use some more detailed info. preferably from mechanic or someone who's a expert on this subject thanks
 
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 11:19 PM
  #2  
HrdDrv's Avatar
HrdDrv
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 4
From: Baltimore
I would try and pull distributer cap, and rotating crank back and forth slow, check for excessive travel before rotor moves. Shouldn't rotate much before rotor responds...

More answers are sure to follow...Just my 2 cents...
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2009 | 04:39 AM
  #3  
EPNCSU2006's Avatar
EPNCSU2006
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,558
Likes: 44
From: Concord, NC
The easiest way is to turn the engine clockwise until you get to the TDC mark on the balancer (don't turn the engine backwards if you overshoot). Then turn the engine counterclockwise while watching the rotor in the distributor. Stop turning the engine as soon as you see the rotor begin to move. If the crank has moved more than 4 degrees, the timing chain should be replaced.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:49 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE