MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums - View Single Post - Spark plugs are white! Running lean? how to adjust timing?

Mr 5 0 · 08-01-2002, 03:05 PM

Yikes!

First, with nitrous oxide, you probably need a colder plug. What are you running now and what's the gap? It all counts.

Buy a cheap 'distributor wrench'. It fits right in there and makes the job much easier. Buy them at any Sears or a auto parts store. Five bucks or so and you'll have it for life.

You need to pull the spout connector (connected to a plug that hangs off the distributor- right in front) before changing the timing. I recommend putting it in your pocket as they are small and easily lost when left sitting on the engine. You'll need to clean off and then mark the harmonic balancer with white paint or something visible as well as the pointer tip. Use a Q-tip for this as the lines are small. Now - you need a timing light. About $40. for a cheap one. $400. for a state-of-the-art type from Snap-On tools. I recommend the cheap one. Again, Sears or any auto parts store has them.

Once you've disconnected the spout connector, pocketed it, marked the balancer (for 10, 12, 14 degrees) , loosened the distributor hold-down bolt (just enough to move the distributor) and connected your timing light to the battery and the #1 plug wire, you're good to go.

Start up the (already warmed up) engine, let it idle and aim the light at the balancer, noting the marks. Move the distributor counter-clockwise to advance and when the timing mark and the pointer align at 12, 14 BTDC or whatever you choose (10 degrees BTDC is stock) tighten down the distributor with the distributor wrench and re-check the timing with the (still-connected) timing light. If all is well, shut it off, replace the spout connector, undo the timing light connections and close the hood. You're done.

The computer will adjust the idle...leave it alone.

08-01-2002, 03:05 PM	#6
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Timing, plugs, etc. Yikes! First, with nitrous oxide, you probably need a colder plug. What are you running now and what's the gap? It all counts. Buy a cheap 'distributor wrench'. It fits right in there and makes the job much easier. Buy them at any Sears or a auto parts store. Five bucks or so and you'll have it for life. You need to pull the spout connector (connected to a plug that hangs off the distributor- right in front) before changing the timing. I recommend putting it in your pocket as they are small and easily lost when left sitting on the engine. You'll need to clean off and then mark the harmonic balancer with white paint or something visible as well as the pointer tip. Use a Q-tip for this as the lines are small. Now - you need a timing light. About $40. for a cheap one. $400. for a state-of-the-art type from Snap-On tools. I recommend the cheap one. Again, Sears or any auto parts store has them. Once you've disconnected the spout connector, pocketed it, marked the balancer (for 10, 12, 14 degrees) , loosened the distributor hold-down bolt (just enough to move the distributor) and connected your timing light to the battery and the #1 plug wire, you're good to go. Start up the (already warmed up) engine, let it idle and aim the light at the balancer, noting the marks. Move the distributor counter-clockwise to advance and when the timing mark and the pointer align at 12, 14 BTDC or whatever you choose (10 degrees BTDC is stock) tighten down the distributor with the distributor wrench and re-check the timing with the (still-connected) timing light. If all is well, shut it off, replace the spout connector, undo the timing light connections and close the hood. You're done. The computer will adjust the idle...leave it alone.