• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Need to Retard Timing 4 deg. to Pass Smog

  • Thread starter Thread starter conartist
  • Start date Start date Jun 17, 2004

conartist

Member
Dec 4, 2002
77
0
6
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Jun 17, 2004
#1
  • Jun 17, 2004
  • #1
Wondering if anybody can help me out. I went for a mandatory smog test and failed only on NO ppm. The emissions test guy, who is very good at "helping" cars pass, said that I should take the timing back 4 degrees, and the car will pass no problem.

Well, I don't have a timing gun, is there any way I can do this? Any Suggestions?

Thanx
 

larrendeuce

Member
Sep 13, 2003
649
1
19
Southern NJ
Jun 17, 2004
#2
  • Jun 17, 2004
  • #2
Try taking out the spout for the test.
 

ironmedic

New Member
Mar 18, 2003
1,361
0
0
Puyallup, WA
Jun 17, 2004
#3
  • Jun 17, 2004
  • #3
go to the local store and buy that emissions stuff that you pour into your engine to make you pass garunteed! i have no clue if it works but give it a shot and let me know!
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Jun 17, 2004
#4
  • Jun 17, 2004
  • #4
Retarding the timing reduces the combustion temperature which in turn reduces the NO (Nitrous Oxides) output. Using additives probably won't fix that part of the emissions check.

The best advice is to see if you can rent a timing light from the auto parts store if you don't have the $45 or so to buy one. No money for a timing light, take larrenduce's advice on doing the test with the SPOUT out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Engine Evap and charcoal cannister leak
  • ryan1994stang
  • Mar 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
435
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 18, 2026
Mcmahst
C
Exhaust 4 Cats required for smog in California?
  • Codosuarus
  • Sep 28, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 6, 2025
Scottyding73
S
9
Engine Donor '00 Mountaineer meet '91 Fox
  • 91firecracker
  • May 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
41
Views
921
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
Engine 1990 LX 5.0L EFI Mustang Fuel Management Problems - HELP!
  • 5.0LXStanger
  • May 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 11, 2025
5.0LXStanger
Strange issue with timing Fixed
  • 2003 mustang gt modded
  • Oct 29, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
357
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Dec 4, 2025
2003 mustang gt modded
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?