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Engine 1988 LX 2.3 timing

  • Thread starter Thread starter waxman
  • Start date Start date Dec 28, 2019
W

waxman

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 6, 2004
49
7
18
central il
Dec 28, 2019
#1
  • Dec 28, 2019
  • #1
just bought an 88 lx,they put a new timing belt on,but no timing light.were is the best to set the timing. couldnt find info in chilton book. thanks
 

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT
Mod Dude
Jul 20, 2014
4,737
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203
Taylorsville ky
Dec 29, 2019
#2
  • Dec 29, 2019
  • #2
As long as they lined up all the timing marks-it should be in time


Welcome to Stangnet
 
W

waxman

20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 6, 2004
49
7
18
central il
Dec 29, 2019
#3
  • Dec 29, 2019
  • #3
what degrees should i set it at?
 

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT
Mod Dude
Jul 20, 2014
4,737
3,186
203
Taylorsville ky
Dec 29, 2019
#4
  • Dec 29, 2019
  • #4
At the timing marks depicted in the pics.
 
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Adieu

Easy there, this ain't a dating site.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 7, 2002
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Dec 30, 2019
#5
  • Dec 30, 2019
  • #5
RaggedGT said:
At the timing marks depicted in the pics.
Click to expand...
The oil pump sprocket on a 2.3 also drives the distributor. This means you often have to set ignition timing after changing the belt.

Set your base timing at 10 degrees BTDC. Make sure you pull the spout connector (little black or gray plug inline on the harness) before loosening the distributor.
 

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT
Mod Dude
Jul 20, 2014
4,737
3,186
203
Taylorsville ky
Dec 30, 2019
#6
  • Dec 30, 2019
  • #6
74stang2togo said:
The oil pump sprocket on a 2.3 also drives the distributor. This means you often have to set ignition timing after changing the belt.

Set your base timing at 10 degrees BTDC. Make sure you pull the spout connector (little black or gray plug inline on the harness) before loosening the distributor.
Click to expand...
When did they switch to the coil pack ?
 

Adieu

Easy there, this ain't a dating site.
20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 7, 2002
9,531
5,187
224
Dec 30, 2019
#7
  • Dec 30, 2019
  • #7
RaggedGT said:
When did they switch to the coil pack ?
Click to expand...
1991 on the Mustang. I've had two 2.3 cars, a 74, and an 88. I actually don't remember either of them having a mark on the auxiliary shaft sprocket (which drives both the distributor and oil pump).
 
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J

junkyardwarrior

Well-Known Member
Jan 10, 2011
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Dec 30, 2019
#8
  • Dec 30, 2019
  • #8
The cam sprocket and the aux sprocket are identical. They both should have marks on them.

The easiest way to "time" the belt (if it already runs fine) is to remove the covers, line up the crank sprocket with the mark on the seal holder, double check if the cam sprocket lines up where it's supposed to, then change the belt without moving anything. I find it easier to make a mark with a yellow or white marker on the sprockets and covers but that's just me. Make sure to take the slack out of the driver's side of the belt when installing it.

Now then, if you don't have a timing light to check the IGNITION timing, you can borrow one at most any parts store. They charge you for it, but refund you in full when you bring it back. That's how their "loan-a-tool" stuff works. You will certainly want a timing light because there's no other way to check the ignition timing on these engines. You want it at 10° BTDC (NOT ATDC!), at idle, with the spout pulled out of the harness connector. Personally I like to verify that the timing pointer is truly TDC by removing the #1 spark plug and using a screwdriver pushed against the top of the piston while turning the engine by hand. When you get to TDC, the screwdriver will stop moving and begin to move again as the piston starts going back down the cylinder. Takes a few tries to get it right. Once at true TDC, look at where the mark on the pulley is in relation to the "pointer" on the cover. It should be zero.
 
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waxman

20+ Year Stangneter
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Dec 31, 2019
#9
  • Dec 31, 2019
  • #9
thanks
 
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