Timing problem 87 GT

BOW TIE SMASHER · 10-20-2002, 09:24 PM

I have built an 87 GT aluminum heads, intake E-303 cam various other parts including a mass air conversion, I have hooked every thing back up and cant seem to get it to run right - It will start but its hard then the engine shakes bad,the hedders heat up cherry red within 1-2 minutes if I can keep it running that long, and when i try to give it a little fuel the internals seem to get mad if you know what I mean I know the firing order and that #1 needs to be up on the compression stroke, but will it even start if it is on the exhaust stroke? I have tried lots of diffrent things and nothing I do seems to help I have unplugged the spout and tried it nothing changes I guess it s off to the service dept at the dealer any help or replies would be appreciated. Thanks

drtbiker · 10-20-2002, 11:28 PM

just a dumb suggestion but check all of ur plug wires....

later

66StangGuy · 10-21-2002, 01:29 AM

have you tried resetting the computer? disconnect the battery for 10 minutes and then replace the cable and start the motor and let it idle for 20 minutes it will then reset itself. Red hedders means its running lean. check all your sensors and connections as well as injectors. something is causing a lean condition. what about a vaccume leak.?

Jeff Chambers · 10-21-2002, 06:59 AM

Cherry red headers usually indicates severely retarded timing...like ATDC instead of BTDC. What's your timing set at when you start it up (SPOUT out)? From what you describe, it sounds like your base timing is probably 0 degrees or even worse. If you can't get the timing situated with small adjustments of the distributor then you've probably got it stabbed one tooth off.

HiFlow5 0 · 10-21-2002, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeff chambers
Cherry red headers usually indicates severely retarded timing...like ATDC instead of BTDC. What's your timing set at when you start it up (SPOUT out)? From what you describe, it sounds like your base timing is probably 0 degrees or even worse. If you can't get the timing situated with small adjustments of the distributor then you've probably got it stabbed one tooth off.

Yup, that sounds exactly like what it is! I did just that a few months ago after I installed my new heads. I could have sworn I was on TDC when I put the distributor back in, but I ended up being one tooth off. Car did exactly what you described, just I didn't let it run long enough to have the headers glow.

10-20-2002, 11:28 PM	#2
drtbiker Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Mt. Prospect,IL Posts: 474	just a dumb suggestion but check all of ur plug wires.... later __________________ 87-ford-mustang-SOLD! mods: 3:73's, off road h-pipe, b303 cam in gt- 40 motor w/ Power Plus intake, edelbrock 70mm tb & egr spacer, 72mm C&L, bbk long tubes, tremec tranny, centerforce dual friction clutch, upr and lwr CA's 255lph FP and soon more to come.... when i have money again SOME ADVICE Don't do burn outs in reverse it is very expensive New times with dead hook on dr's 13.27@103 with 2.0 60 foots w/100lb system Fastest time to date: 12.8@113

10-21-2002, 01:29 AM	#3
66StangGuy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Diamond Bar Posts: 258	have you tried resetting the computer? disconnect the battery for 10 minutes and then replace the cable and start the motor and let it idle for 20 minutes it will then reset itself. Red hedders means its running lean. check all your sensors and connections as well as injectors. something is causing a lean condition. what about a vaccume leak.? __________________ 66 mustang-292-Holley 4160-World Castings Windsor Sr.-Hooker super comp headers-MSD box & Coil.3.55 gears. B&M Z-Gate-Black leather racing seats with 4pt harnes.

10-21-2002, 06:59 AM	#4
Jeff Chambers Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Milan, OH Posts: 2,699	Cherry red headers usually indicates severely retarded timing...like ATDC instead of BTDC. What's your timing set at when you start it up (SPOUT out)? From what you describe, it sounds like your base timing is probably 0 degrees or even worse. If you can't get the timing situated with small adjustments of the distributor then you've probably got it stabbed one tooth off. __________________ Jeff Chambers 1990 Mustang GT 10.032 Seconds / 137.5 MPH 14-time Street Warrior World Record Setter CRT Performance 2001 Tropic Green Mustang GT - 12.181 / 113.2 MPH 2002 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 7.3l Power Stroke - 17.41@77.2 "There's nothing boring about a small block automatic shifting gears at 9400 rpm!"

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10-20-2002, 09:24 PM	#1
BOW TIE SMASHER Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 10	Timing problem 87 GT I have built an 87 GT aluminum heads, intake E-303 cam various other parts including a mass air conversion, I have hooked every thing back up and cant seem to get it to run right - It will start but its hard then the engine shakes bad,the hedders heat up cherry red within 1-2 minutes if I can keep it running that long, and when i try to give it a little fuel the internals seem to get mad if you know what I mean I know the firing order and that #1 needs to be up on the compression stroke, but will it even start if it is on the exhaust stroke? I have tried lots of diffrent things and nothing I do seems to help I have unplugged the spout and tried it nothing changes I guess it s off to the service dept at the dealer any help or replies would be appreciated. Thanks