Questions on Timing???
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 33
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From: China Grove TX
Questions on Timing???
How can I check the timing on my 1998 F-150 4.6, automatic? If so is there a way to adjust it also? My starter drags whem I am starting it like is the timing is to far advanced. Does anyone know what the timing should be set at? Thanks! Chief Mike.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,200
Likes: 39
From: Easton, Pa.
If cranking is lazy it has nothing to do with ignition timing.
It's poor cable connections or low battery charge.
And can be low charge performance from the alternator or a combination of the above.
.
A note on ignition timing is it is not adjustable but checkable and can be looked at with a timing light.
There is a plug that when removed will retard the timing as a check the PCM is able to change it while running.
On the front cover down near the crank pulley at about 11 oclock position are timing reference marks that could be uses as a reference when checking with a timing light.
The pully has a Dot on it's back lip. Refer to the Haynes Manuel page 2B-3 figure 3.1
A good clamp on light to the COP primary plug cable will pick up enough to trigger the light for a test.
If the light is a 'dial back type' you have some idea of what the timing is your seeing.
I have a full time monitor to dial in most of the usefull engine running parameters and look at 4 at a time.
Most usefull is ignition timing, Instant MPG and ave MPG and whatever other parameter I might want to see. Found recently the CHT is to low at 180 which I don't usually look at so have lost a lot of fuel mileage for some time with a thermostat that does not fully close being 167,000 miles old and a high capacity radiator for towing, to boot... But the engine has a lot of torque with the help of running cooler, so it's not all bad.
More than you ask for but extra info is never a bad thing..
Good luck.
It's poor cable connections or low battery charge.
And can be low charge performance from the alternator or a combination of the above.
.
A note on ignition timing is it is not adjustable but checkable and can be looked at with a timing light.
There is a plug that when removed will retard the timing as a check the PCM is able to change it while running.
On the front cover down near the crank pulley at about 11 oclock position are timing reference marks that could be uses as a reference when checking with a timing light.
The pully has a Dot on it's back lip. Refer to the Haynes Manuel page 2B-3 figure 3.1
A good clamp on light to the COP primary plug cable will pick up enough to trigger the light for a test.
If the light is a 'dial back type' you have some idea of what the timing is your seeing.
I have a full time monitor to dial in most of the usefull engine running parameters and look at 4 at a time.
Most usefull is ignition timing, Instant MPG and ave MPG and whatever other parameter I might want to see. Found recently the CHT is to low at 180 which I don't usually look at so have lost a lot of fuel mileage for some time with a thermostat that does not fully close being 167,000 miles old and a high capacity radiator for towing, to boot... But the engine has a lot of torque with the help of running cooler, so it's not all bad.
More than you ask for but extra info is never a bad thing..
Good luck.
