I have a 400, with a few mods, like an RV size cam, 4bbl, etc... I even removed the A/C system due to failure and cost$$, so i get good flow through the radiator when Im moving, but sometimes on the hwy(70 mph) it gets a little hot, while other times it stays way low...and at idle it will get to the "P" on "TEMP" on my gauge which is too close to overheating.... I have the timing set at 12 degrees BTDC, 32 total advance, is this right?? I dont have a timing light ( i usually borrow one) should I just advance a little bit by ear?? what are you guys setting the 400 at, please reply with some help!!!!




SEANSTER 77' F150 XLT 2WD 400 C6
Edel.cam,intake
CARTER 625 AFB

 

I run 2 thermostats. one for winter and one for summer. I don't advance my timing that much - the more advance you have the hotter it's going to run. So I keep my timing to 8 degrees. I'll advance my timing on my 400 to 13 degrees only when in a truck pull competition.

Hope this helps

 

I have a 400 also ( stock ) bored 60 over. It runs a little warm at idle and in heavy stop and go traffic, but it has never boild over. I run my timing at 6 degrees. The chilton book tells me to run 12 degrees with an automatic trans. which i have, but when it gets operating temp. its hard to start, timing is to far advanced and the valves start to rattle. Chilton book says to run 6 degrees with a manual trans. so i tried it at 6 degrees and runs just fine, no rattling valves and she'll fire right back up when she's hot. You can try different settings but don't advance to much, like over 12 degrees. I hope this helps. Rob

 

so you think I should retard the timing to 6 degrees BTDC, could I do this by ear, I mean, can I just twist the dist. a little bit?? how far should I go If Im at 12 degrees now?? thanks for the help, I need it




SEANSTER 77' F150 XLT 2WD 400 C6
Edel.cam,intake
CARTER 625 AFB

 

Yea, go for it. You can twist it all you want by ear. Just take baby steps untill your problem improves or goes away. Every professional I know does it like that for their own vehicles..(non-stock) If the performace/gas milage goes way downhill, put it back to where it was and look at other causes like bad radiator cap, bad thermostat, plugged or plugging radiator, failing water pump... Speaking of which, you might not mind looking into the Edelbrock w/p for this engine, I've heard they are light years better than stock.

Matt

 

> I have a 400, with
>a few mods, like an
>RV size cam, 4bbl, etc...
>I even removed the A/C
>system due to failure and
>cost$$, so i get
>good flow through the radiator
>when Im moving, but sometimes
>on the hwy(70 mph) it
>gets a little hot, while
>other times it stays way
>low...and at idle it will
>get to the "P" on
>"TEMP" on my gauge
>which is too close to
>overheating.... I have the timing
>set at 12 degrees BTDC,
>32 total advance, is this
>right?? I dont have a
>timing light ( i usually
>borrow one) should I just
>advance a little bit by
>ear?? what are you
>guys setting the 400 at,
>please reply with some help!!!!
>
>
What Temp thermostat is in it now? 180, 195....

If 195 try 180..
My 390 Idles Very cool with a 180 stat(170-180)
At freeway speed it will go to 180-190. Nothing to worry about for me.
As the Outside temp is rising to 85-90 it will not be uncommon to hear about temp gauges going higher on the road.
Best to remember to have the cooling system CLEANED and not just flushed!! and Check for the proper cooling mix like 50/50..

I would Invest in a Bacis price range timing light. There are some things you just have to check and not guess. My Opinion!
Springs break, points wear out, POOR MILAGE ETC....

Ive seen more Automatics wasted due to POOR cooling systems than any thing else.




__JOHN__Õ¿ö
72 F-250
ICQ#6030753
http://clubs.excite.com/72FORD-F-250

 

I "think" the thermostat is a 195. I can not take it out right now, because a year ago, I was going to change it, and when I tried to loosen the water neck bolts, One of them twisted off!!so I left it untill I could get my brother to drill it out, hes better at that than I am, I just know Ill drill off-center all into the block, What to do???
I have the 180 degree thermostat that I bought when I wanted to change it, but I just cant get the neck off!!!




SEANSTER 77' F150 XLT 2WD 400 C6
Edel.cam,intake
CARTER 625 AFB