Anyone happen to know what the total timing should be at what R.P.M.? Also, I have initial timing at 10 degrees but think it should be 14?

Edit: One more thing, the factory distributor uses timed vacuum, not manifold correct?

 

Tell us a little more about the truck.
You say CA so this a California sold truck.
Is this a fuel injected truck?
I am guessing yes so why are we talking about vacuum?
The timing should be set with a timing light hooked to number one plug wire to 10* BTDC with the SPOUT shorting bar out (removed) and a warm engine.
Then put the SPOUT back in and check that the timing has moved.

 

The truck itself is a 1986 F150 XL 4x4. The engine is a 5.8L 351W 4BBL HO with a 600CFM Edelbrock Performer Series Carburetor and the Edelbrock Pro-Flo 1000 Series Air Filter (edit: the 351s weren't fuel injected until the next generation F150). The sticker under the hood says 14 degrees so I'm thinking I should change it to that, but am more curious as to what the total timing should be at what RPMs.

Back to the 14 degrees, usually from what I have seen 10 degrees is a pretty normal setting, though my calibration code isn't spot on with any I have seen. The first two parts match up with a 14 degree timing code, but the last part of it matches up with a 10 degree timing code.

 

*Bump*

 

I looked but can not find my manual on that year. I will look again in the morning.

 

Thanks! I appreciate it!

 

Well the manual stops at 1985 like the 1986 may be a TFI Ignition System with computer controlled advance.
For 1985 and before it lists the advance by Distributor Part Numbers and some of those change with the calibration code.

Here is an example -- 1985 V8-351 E4TE-ARA = 12-14.5 @ 1250 RPM of Distributor RPM (2500 engine RPM).
Note the Distributor base number of 12127 is left out of the Distributor part numbers in the listings.

If yours is not TFI computer controlled then your part number may be the same as and earlier year and if you would post it maybe I can give the information for that distributor.

 

The 1986 Bronco I also have with the 5.0L F.I. has the TFI system and computer advance, whereas my does not. Two different distributors, two different systems. Perhaps is may be easier just to go with the 1984/1985 advance settings since they didn't have the TFI at all? I will try and find the number on the distributor and report back. Thanks!

 

I can't find the number, nor am I taking the distributor out. Would you happen to have the total timing specs for I guess the 84/85 H.O.? I've know the RPM now is 2500, but I just want to double check what the total should be. I've seen between 35-38?

 

They do not list them as HO or not.
All I have is this page for that era.
I hope it helps.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g9...ion/timing.jpg

/

 

I know someone who can help me from here with that page, thanks very much! I appreciate it!

 

I actually just went out and looked again as I found a diagram showing me exactly where the part numbers are at, and I have no number prefix or suffix on mine??? All it says is 12127 and Motorcraft???

EDIT: This is what my distributor looks like, not that I think it will help at all...

 

There should have been a tag under one of the screws that hold the vacuum advance on.
Looks like you have a replacement off the shelf distributor from an auto parts store.
When it was changed out they did not keep the tag and put it on yours.
You should have a calibration number on your truck maybe at the driver's doorpost. It should then translate to the post fix and pre fix of the distributor for your engine application in a look up chart.
Give me that number and I may be able to look up the distributor number for you. Then you can put the distributor in the distributor scope and bend the tabs for the advance you want.

 

I found that tag just now (yes, at 2 o'clock in the morning, lol)! The diagram I saw showed it was on the back of the distributor. There were two, two-digit codes at the top of the distributor tag, but the main code in bigger digits is E4TE-12127-EA.

 

Looking at the chart for 1985 with that distributor number though, brings me back to the other problem, the engine calibration code I have (unless E4TE-EA is available in 1986). The chart says see note 10. Note 10 lists the specs for calibration code 4-64Z-R10. My calibration code is 4-64Z-R14.

Looking at the 1984 listing for that part number though, it shows 10-12.5 @ 1250, which if I am reading it correctly, translates to a total advance of 20-25 degrees advance at 2500 RPM.