Advanced timing

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Oct 8, 2009 | 11:23 PM

Eric Kropp

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2009

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Advanced timing

Hi all, new to the group. I have a 1993 f-350 with a 460. I just got it back from the smog shop and they said the timing was 45 degrees advanced. He suggested that the Harmonic balancer had "slipped". This actually seems logical since the truck starts and runs fine. I certainly don't think it would run hardly at all if it were really advanced 35 degrees more that the factory setting. Has anyone run across this? Oddly enough the check engine light is on now and was not before it went to the smog shop. If there is a crank position sensor it probably picks up its signal from the harmonic balancer and could explain that too..........right?

Thanks
Eric

Oct 9, 2009 | 04:56 AM

EPNCSU2006

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,555

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From: Concord, NC

The only timing signal to the computer comes from the distributor. There is also something called a SPOUT (spark output) connector that enables the computer advance that must be removed to set base timing. If this connector is left in place while checking the timing, the timing will be advanced past the base setting. If the SPOUT was removed and it was still 45 degrees advanced, then I agree that the balancer slipped. You can pull the codes using a paper clip to see why the check engine light is on. EEC IV Self Test hookup shows what to jumper, just leave out the volt meter/test light pictured and count the blinks on the check engine light.

Oct 9, 2009 | 08:22 PM

Eric Kropp

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 167

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Ya know, I am familiar with the spout wire as my 1983 Ranger has one. But I did not see one on this dude. The manual just said to unhook the vacuum line from the distributor and plug it, on applicable models. This dude has no vacuum line obviously. The spout wire on my Ranger is a yellow wire that pops out of the loom for easy unhooking. No such thing on this rig. I have it mostly apart and will have a look at the harmonic balancer tomorrow.

Thanks for the input

Eric <><

Oct 9, 2009 | 10:10 PM

EPNCSU2006

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,555

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From: Concord, NC

The SPOUT connector is near the diver side hood spring mount on the fender, right next to the ignition module (heat sink).

Oct 20, 2009 | 10:19 PM

Eric Kropp

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 167

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Just to finish up the thread, I bought a new aftermarket harmonic balancer and the timing marks were indeed in a different place. I installed it fired Betsy up and the timing marks were now visible. Excellent!!!!!!

Oct 21, 2009 | 07:06 AM

jimjoebob99

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 322

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From: St. Petersburg, FL

I actually have this problem on mine. I just changed the distributor also. lol. When I brought it up to TDC with the timing mark, it was on the #4 cylinder. So when I put it back together, I used that to time it. 10 degrees and it runs like a champ. Having to use #4 means it something like 180 degrees out. I definatelly need to get me a new balancer. On my list of things to do!