One more Newbie question: Headers & timing

[Notchbackdrew]

When replacing my spark plugs today I noticed the passenger side header was cracked down the middle of the flange in between the first two runners. It still has the bolts holding the header in place but can that crack cause an exhaust leak? I really dont see how it could if all the runners are securely bolted to the head regardless if the flange is connected or not. But I am a total noobie when it comes to this stuff so Im asking the experts

Second, my question is timing. Ive done many searches and studied up but I dont understand how to check your timing. Does someone have a link they could show me? I understand I am to buy a timing light and hook it up to the distributor, but then what? How do I know what degree of timing I am running?

My engine runs fairly good, you can just hear a sputter and I really want to track this problem down. Also where is the fuel filter located

Sorry for these rediculous questions, but I am looking forward to learning about these issues. Im hopeful that you guys will help me out. Thanks so much!

 

[backfocus]

Welcome to Stangnet!!!

First I would recomend going out and buying a chilton or haynes manual for you car. I have both and seems one explains somethings better than the other and vice-versa.

As for the header it could give you problems not sure. You should be able to hear or feel it if it is leaking.

For timing you need a timing light. Hook the timing light power up to the battery and the clamp lead to the #1 cyclinder plug wire. It is on the passenger side front wire. Remove the spout connector which is on the wires going to the distributor. Make sure you can read the timing marks on the balancer, you may need to clean it or mark 10 or 12 degrees with white-out or chalk to see it. Start engine, pull trigger on timing light while pointing it at the balancer and timing pointer. You can probably run up to 14 degrees with you setup but just at 10 a go up from there. If you need to adjust it loosen the distributer and turn it slowly to adjust timing. Always test in small advances ie 2 degrees or less. If you start to get detination or pinging back it off a bit. Put spout connector back when done.

Hope that helps. And get that spark plug tighter than that.

 

[backfocus]

Just read on your other post that you have a crane ingintion box. I am not real familar with these but I know it has adjustable timing. Not sure what to set timing at with that box.

Maybe someone has one and will know.

 

[Notchbackdrew]

Thanks alot backfocus. Im not sure what the Crane box even does? Do you have a clue as to what its purpose is?

You mention the spout connector, is that just the rubber boot that plugs into the distributor? And I apologize, this is fairly embarrasing, but where is the balancer and is the timing marks etched into it?

Also what am I to look for when pushing the timing trigger? does it light up at a certain point or what? Sorry Im clueless when it comes to checking timing (although I do understand how a internal combustion engine works and what timing does).

I appreciatte your help and look forward to your responce.

 

[Notchbackdrew]

Ahh I typed out a whole reply and when I went to submit it, the page never loaded. So here I am again.

Let me thankyou first of all backfocus, your replys are much appreciatted. Second, and this is embarrasing, but where is the balancer and are the timing marks etched into it? Third, is the spout connector the rubber boot on the wire that connects to the distributor and why is it neccesary to remove it?

Fourth, what am I supposed to see when I pull the trigger on the timing light? Im cluless as to checking timing (although I know how an internal combustion engine works and how advanced timing benefits an engine).

Fifth, do you know what the Crane box is supposed to do?

Thanks again for your responces, it means alot. I look forward to hearing back from you.

 

[Notchbackdrew]

Ok Ive typed out long responces twice and the server keeps going dead on me and erasing my message! Backfocus, let me thankyou first of all. I will try and reply back tommorow when the site isnt PMS'ng. Ahh that is so frustrating.

 

[Saleen0679]

Timing "how to"

http://www.leemotorsports.com/stang22/timing.htm

 

[srothfuss]

Timing pointer and balancer are located on the front (lower front) portion of the engine. Find the water pump and look right below that on the passenger side.


For more information on what the Crane box does you can read up about it on their website: www.cranecams.com So far mine has given be better idle properties and better throttle response.


Welcome to the boards!

 

[blackcloud50]

FWIW, one should be running premium gas if advancing timing. Seen many people want to bump timing but still use regular 87 octane.