Hey all, kinda rookie question but how do I check the timing on my 73 302? If it is off how do I ajust it? I've done this on my motorcycle before but the 302 is a bit more intimidating, lol.
At the risk of oversimplification; Connect a timing light on the #1 spark-plug. There should be a mark on the harmonic balancer, if there's not, you'll have to mark it where you want the timing to be set at. Should be from 6-12 degrees (I run 14 degrees and I also live in Colorado). Disconnect the vacuum line from the distributor advance cannister and PLUG it with something. This will give you a more accurate initial timing setting without the chance of the vacuum advance affecting it. With the engine idling, aim the timing light at the harmonic balencer. Observe where the "mark" is in relation to the metal pointer on the timing cover next to the balancer. You've just "checked" the timing. They way to adjust the timing is to loosen the distributor bolt (a distributor wrench comes in handy for this) and then with the engine idling, turn the distributor while aiming your timing light at the balancer until the mark on the balancer lines up with the pointer. Once you have it where you want it, shut the engine off and tighten the distributor bolt. Don't forget to reconnect the vacuum line to the distributor's vacuum advance can. You've just "adjusted" the timing. You will now have to adjust your idle speed (the idle screw on the carb under the throttle) as changing the timing affects the idle speed. I like mine to idle around 750-800 RPM in neutral. Hope this helps...
Timing T.L. has explained it very well. Would just like to add a few things. On older crankshft dampeners, sometimes the outer ring slips on the rubber bonding and will not give a true reading. Just pull the #1 plug and with a piece of toilet paper stuffed in it, crank the engine with a ratchet and 15/16th's socket on the dampener bolt until the paper blows out(can use your finger also). This is putting #1 on compression stroke, then using a wooden pencil or similiar device in the hole, crank until piston reaches top of it's travel. Make sure zero is lined up with pointer, if ok then start the engine and read as described by T.L. Just loosen the dizzy hold down bolt enough to turn it. Twist the assy. clockwise to advance and counter clockwise to retard. Lastly watch the timing movement on the dampner for serious deflections while running indicating a loose timing chain. Same method can be used when installing the dizzy after removal etc. just set the rotor pointing at #1 post on cap then time it with a light as described.
yeah one more small thing to make your life easier....with the engine not running, find the timing marks on the balancer.clean "em real well. use some "white out" or something like it to "paint" the marks so they show up real nice under the timing light.
ok, I think I got this, but I have a kinda dumb question, what is a harmonic balancer and where do I find it? 73, 302
Just incase your not sure its the round wheel inback of the lower pulley that your fan belts go around.
Hey I have to send in my cash and sign up first then we can move on that! If there was an online sign up it would have been done by now. I'm just a bit swamped and some stuff has to wait. But I will get there.
Rudy on a stock 72 model 302 timing is set at 6 degrees below top dead center with vacuum hoses removed and plugged. Ford recommends different idle speeds for auto and manual trannys.. I'll get a pic tomorrow off my engine compartment wall with the exact specs and post it for ya
Rudy lives in Colorado and at this altitude, the timing needs to be advanced 4-6 degrees above the factory reccomendation or it will be a dog off-the-line. As for idle speed, the factory reccomendation is a good reference point but I like it a little faster. The only reason that the RPM specs are different for Manual Vs. Auto is because they are in neutral for manual and in drive for automatic. I always set my idle speed in neutral, it will drop 150-200 RPM (with a stock torque converter) when you put the car in "Drive". So 800RPM in Neutral will give you about 650RPM in Drive...
