Timing Ajustments???

[Pete1111]

I have done nearly every repair on my vehicles for years now except for one thing... timing. I think its about time I take a look at that on my FSJ!

So my question is, how exactly do I use a timing light? My dad has one that he never used and I've seen them used before, but I have no idea what the flashes mean or where to put the chalk mark, etc... Also, when I finally learn how to use the light, where should my engine be? I have the 360 V-8 and currently it backfires out of the carb under load.

Thanks for all your help! I just wish I could find a tech forum this good for my '67 Mustang!

[joe]

There should be some instructions that come with the light but in a nut shell: Engine needs to be warm. Disco and plug the vac line going to the dizzy's vacuum advance unit. Hook the lights pickup wire either into the #1 plug wire between the end of the wire and the spark plug using the little adapter or over the outside of the wire plug wire depending on what type of light you have. #1 cylinder is the front/drivers side. Hook the power cables to the battery terminals. Start up the motor and set the idle speed which is about 600 rpm if you have an AT. Loosen the hold down bolt on the dizzy just enough so you can turn it. On the timing cover will be a scale with something like 10-5-TDC-5-10 etc refering to 10, 5 degrees Before Top Dead Center and After TDC. It may just have the Before side of the scale rather than both before and after TDC sides? There's a groove/cut on the outer edge of the harmonic balancer that you line up with the scale on the timing cover.
Aim the light at the timing cover scale and trigger the light. The light flashes when #1 plug fires. When the light flashes read where the groove on the pully lines up with the scale. Turn the dizzy slowly one way or the other to advance or retard the timing to get the correct reading you need. I think for your year it's 10 deg BTDC. Lock down the dizzy bolt and check the timing again to make sure it didn't change when you tightened the bolt. Re-hook the vac line to the dizzy and you're done.
I recommend before doing anything clean up the scale on the timing cover and clean up the groove on the balancer. Wouldn't hurt to even paint the groove white. Timing can be a pain on some 360's and you may have to shine the light through the hole in the alternator bracket so get everything as clean and readable as possible beforehand. It's best to do this in a dim lit garage too rather than in bright sun light. Also watch out for the fan!!! it can bite ya.

[ July 11, 2002, 09:44 AM: Message edited by: -joe ]

[Stangerize]

The backfiring through the carb sounds like the cam may have some lobes worn off it. If adjusting the timing doesn't correct the backfiring... your cam is toast.

And http://www.corral.net/main.html is a great place for Mustang tech. My other ride is a 1994 Mustang GT. Just click "Mustang Forums" on the left and voila. Good luck