Engine Timing Spec/Procedure?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Snohomish, WA
Engine Timing Spec/Procedure?
My new Snap-On MT257 is sitting on a UPS truck to be delivered today and I'm going to time my truck this afternoon. I was certain that the Ford Powertrain/Drivetrain service manual would have the procedure on timing, but I was wrong. It's in the Powertrain Control/Emission Service manual. Ugg... Fortunately there was a set available on EBay for $38. The set I bought has Diagnostics I and Diagnostics II. I'm hoping there are only two. Really going to suck if the diesel stuff is in Diagnostics III...
Can someone post the timing spec for a '94 IDI Turbo while I wait for the new manuals to arrive? Anything special about the procedure? I figure I just have the truck warm and set the timing at the specification?
Can someone post the timing spec for a '94 IDI Turbo while I wait for the new manuals to arrive? Anything special about the procedure? I figure I just have the truck warm and set the timing at the specification?
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 656
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From: Salisbury, PA
I've done it several times. They say when the cold advance is on it should have the clanky sound of a powerstroke. Once the engine is warmed up and the cold advance is off it should quite itself out. It is just a little trial and error to find that little window. The first time I ever did it I did it while the engine was running and advanced the IP until it almost couldnt idle and then backed it off just til it smoothed up. That seemed to work the best although people say not to adjust it when it is running. Other than that just keep adjusting and running it and tinkering with it. I wouldnt go out and buy any special tools.
Just loosen the 3 bolts on teh pump and to advance it turn it towards the passenger side.
Just loosen the 3 bolts on teh pump and to advance it turn it towards the passenger side.
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From: Snohomish, WA
I thought I'd post an update. Using a Snap-On MT257 and a timing light I found that my truck has been running set at 4 degrees of advance. I thought I remember reading somewhere that the factory spec was 8 degrees or so, and that some feel the trucks run best on ULSD at 9 degrees of advance. So I set it at 9 degrees. I also set the slow/fast idol speeds to 650/850.
I'm only one tank into the new timing setting, but from what I can tell the truck is making much better power, especially at part throttle where I do most of my driving. I also seem to be getting better mileage, perhaps as much at 2-3 mpg. One thing I can say for sure is that the EGTs are lower ~50 - 100 degrees, and I'm pushing quite a bit more black smoke at low RPM before I build much boost.
I'm only one tank into the new timing setting, but from what I can tell the truck is making much better power, especially at part throttle where I do most of my driving. I also seem to be getting better mileage, perhaps as much at 2-3 mpg. One thing I can say for sure is that the EGTs are lower ~50 - 100 degrees, and I'm pushing quite a bit more black smoke at low RPM before I build much boost.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Perry Georgia
Where could I got the step by step timing setting instructions. The people I've talked to around here say if it's running good, don't mess with it. I'd rather know where it is set, not just that it runs ok.
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From: Snohomish, WA
I'll post the procedure when I get the Ford documentation in the mail.
I don't think the timing matters if the engine is turbo charged or not. I would think it it would be the same.
I don't think the timing matters if the engine is turbo charged or not. I would think it it would be the same.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Jupiter
ford sped 8.5 plus or minus 2. fellow idiers found 9.7 to be the best with ulsd. same for all these idis.
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