Ijust bought a 1993 f-150. The truck runs great overall but I suspect I may have an ignition issue. The SPOUT connector makes no difference on the idling - should it? How can I tell if the total ignition system is working?

Help?

 

Use a timing light & check the timing with the spout connector connected. Slowly increase the throttle you should see the timing advancing. If there is no change [in the timing] then there is a open wire in the spout harness or a problem with the PCM .

 

I verifed the timing is advancing when I raise the engine speed above idle. But, it also does the same with or without the SPOUT connector.

??

 

I should have ask this before - What should the timing be set at while at idle? I currently have it set between 6 and 8 degree BTDC.

Thanks again.

 

Base timing with the spout disconnected is 10 deg. BTDC. The timing should not advance if the spout is disconnected. there is either a short in the wiring causing this or a problem with the PCM.