The Ford 302 internal combustion engine is also known as the Ford Windsor engine. It was produced from 1968 to 1973, and was installed in various Ford vehicles such as the Mustang, Bronco and the F100. The ignition timing determines when a spark will occur in the V8 engine to start it up. You should normally check the ignition timing of your 302 engine to keep up with the maintenance needs of the classic engine. Ford set the ignition timing to six degrees before top dead center. You can change the ignition timing or leave it at six degrees, but be careful not to damage the engine when making adjustments.
Start the engine. Shut off all accessories and equipment.
Chock the wheels of the vehicle, put the transmission in neutral and engage the emergency brake.
Gradually bring the engine to an idle speed of 600 rpm if you have an automatic transmission, or 800 rpm if you have a manual transmission. Engage the idle speed solenoid if your car has one.
Exit the vehicle with the emergency brake still fully engaged and open the hood. Have an assistant sit in the driver's seat and maintain the necessary engine rpm if needed.
Connect the timing light to the car battery by placing the red clip on the positive terminal first and then placing the black clip on the negative terminal. Connect the timing light to the main crankshaft pulley and the Number One spark plug.
Shine the timing light at the timing marks on the pulley and engine. Check where the timing mark on the pulley falls. Six degrees is the factory recommendation. Remove the timing light and return the engine to normal rpm if you are satisfied with the current ignition timing. If you are not, go on to the next step.
Locate the distributor lock-down bolt, it should be at the base of the distributor housing. Loosen the bolt with a wrench, and disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor housing.
Rotate the distributor by hand to adjust it to the ideal timing. Do not deviate too far from the factory recommendation of six degrees BTDC.
Tighten the distributor lock-down bolt and reconnect the vacuum hose into the distributor housing. Remove the timing light from the pulley, spark plug and battery. Remove the wheel chocks and turn off the engine.
