Any good tuneup includes checking and adjusting ignition timing. Late-model cars and light trucks equipped with distributorless ignition systems eliminate this procedure, but if your Ford has a distributor, you can set the timing. The tools and equipment for this repair are available at an auto parts store, and the cost of a good timing light has come down over the past few years. This is a beginner-level to intermediate-level task, but with good preparation, it's within the abilities of most home mechanics.
Clean and mark the timing marks and pointer, located on the timing cover and the harmonic balancer. Refer to the service manual for the recommended timing advance and exact timing mark location for your specific vehicle. Highlight the corresponding mark, with the white crayon, on the balancer. This will help it show up better under the timing light. This information is also listed on the tuneup tag that is located under the hood.
Loosen the distributor by loosening the retaining bolt at the base of the distributor. This is most commonly a 13mm bolt, and is accessible from the front of the engine.
Start the engine and allow it to warm to normal operating temperature. On most Fords, normal operating temperature is a gauge reading between the "R" and the "M" in the word "Normal" printed on the gauge. Computer-controlled engines must be at operating temperature to go into "Closed Loop" status and allow the on-board computer to control ignition timing. "Closed Loop" status is also required to set base timing.
Turn off the engine. On non-computer-controlled engines, disconnect and plug the vacuum line to the vacuum advance, located on the side of the distributor. On computer-controlled engines, remove the shorting bar, plugged into a connector located near the distributor.
Restart the engine. Turn the distributor slowly while observing the timing marks and line up the timing marks to the specifications in the service manual.
Turn off the engine and tighten the distributor bolt. Recheck the timing to verify that the timing did not move while tightening the distributor. Replace the shorting bar or vacuum line.
