1997 Ford F-250 Timing

YOUR SOLUTION

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-250
154,000 MILES

The distributor was removed while doing another repair. I need advise on how to reset timing. It is a beautiful sunny day here in Plano, Texas. The only down side to the day is that I am spending it working on my truck when I could be working in my garden. My truck engine is a 5.8.

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

Adjustments

Place transmission in NEUTRAL (M/T) or PARK (A/T) with A/C and heater in OFF position.
Connect an inductive timing light.
Remove the shorting bar from the double wire Spark Out (SPOUT) connector.
Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature. With engine at idle, check or adjust initial timing to 10°Before Top Dead Center (BTDC).

NOTE: To set timing correctly, a remote starter should not be used. Use the ignition key only to start the vehicle. Disconnecting the start wire at the starter relay will cause Ignition Control Module (ICM) to revert to start mode timing after the vehicle is started. Reconnecting the start wire after the vehicle is running will not correct the timing.

Reinstall the shorting bar on the double wire SPOUT connector. Check timing advance to verify distributor is advancing beyond the initial setting.
Remove test instruments.