Distributor question?

FORDSMB454

MEMBER
1996 FORD F-150
5.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I have the truck listed above with a 5.0 302 stock. I set the distributor in pointing towards the back correctly. I have the rotor and the electrode w/e it's called pointing both towards the back, is this correct? The second question is, what is the perfect timing at? And do I want to turn left or right for when I'm using my timing light I can't remember thanks take care.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

If you have the distributor removed, place the crankshaft on TDC and the rotor should be pointing toward the firewall of the vehicle. I attached a picture below showing it.

Make sure the rotor points at the cylinder 1 spark plug wire when the cap is installed.

As far as timing, the rotor turns counterclockwise. If you turn it clockwise, it will advance the timing. Turning it the opposite way will retard the timing.

The timing is 10 degrees before top dead center (TDC) + or - 2 degrees. See pic 2 below.

Let me know if this helps and make sure the plug wires are properly installed.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Thursday, July 18th, 2024 AT 8:12 PM

FORDSMB454

MEMBER
40 POSTS

Just to double check I'm on compression stroke I put it at 0 degrees on balancer or should I put it at 10 degrees btdc than put the dizzy in pointing at cylinder 1 wire or does it matter? If it's at 0 degrees put dizzy in than just time it turn w/e 10 degrees btdc?

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Sunday, July 21st, 2024 AT 2:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

With the crank at TDC (Compression Stroke), install the distributor so that the rotor points toward the number 1 spark plug wire. That will get the engine running.

Once it is running, then you can adjust the timing to 10 degrees BTDC.

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, July 21st, 2024 AT 6:56 PM