Engine 1988 LX 2.3 timing

  • Sponsors (?)


As long as they lined up all the timing marks-it should be in time
9EDFEC0E-8579-4143-A393-1E68D54C054A.png
C32080A3-F7BE-40BA-8DF7-6355502F5035.jpeg

BC891528-70F9-48C1-BC69-75ED92DD0983.jpeg

Welcome to Stangnet
 
At the timing marks depicted in the pics.
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.
 
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.
When did they switch to the coil pack ?
 
When did they switch to the coil pack ?
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).
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
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.
 
  • Useful
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users