86 Mustang Distributor timing

Toby Oats · Jul 27, 2011

Okay, this car is bound to get stuck and we will use the tractor to pull it out. Anyway, the timing is definatly off and the problem is ive never advanced a distributor to make it right. It only has a four cylinder if it makes a difference. Im just looking for someone who can give me some advice on doing this. Thanks for any help, Toby

Fritz Maurer · Jul 27, 2011

If it's a 2.3, it won't have vacuum advance in '86. In this case, align the notch in the damper with the pointer on timing belt cover (pull No.1 plug to make sure it's on compression) and turn distributor to No.1 tower, and that's about all you can do, the ignition module takes care of the timing. Can we have a clue as to the symptoms? Fritz

BCnT · Jul 27, 2011

if it has over 60,000 miles on it since last time timing belt was changed,chances are thats your timing issue or soon will be...if the belt has been changed recently then theres a good chance the belt is off a tooth.

Toby Oats · Jul 28, 2011

Well, its back firing pretty good out of the carb. so we narrowed it down to pretty much being a timing issue i believe. Hopefully will be able to work on it tonight. Thanks for the help guys. I may need it again soon. lol - Toby

oldtanker · Jul 28, 2011

As stated you should be looking at changing the timing belt soon. As far as timing.....there should be a shunt near the dizzy. Just a funny looking little thing that you has a little plug you can pull out. Pull it out and set to TDC. You can do it as was posted or with a timing light. Plug the shunt back in and yer done.

Rick

elmersooner · Jul 28, 2011

2.3's are also notorious for not oiling very well up top and wearing out the followers. which cause the valves to not open correctly. align the distributor as posted earlier. spin the motor with finger tip in #1 plug hole until air pushes it (you will know when it happens) .

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Jul 28, 2011

The good thing about the timing belts on those is if they break when running, you just put another one on and go again. The timing is all based off where the dist is. It doesn't have a crank position sensor. First thing I'd do is make sure you don't have a cracked cap or bad wires causing a cross fire situation. Like someone else said, you pull the "Spout" connector (little gray 2 wire connector near the dist usually) and set the timing to spec. It might be TDC, it might be 10 degrees advanced. There is a decal under the hood that will tell if it's still there.

86 Mustang Distributor timing

Toby Oats

Member

Fritz Maurer

Well-known Member

BCnT

Well-known Member

Toby Oats

Member

oldtanker

Well-known Member

elmersooner

Member

Brian Jasper co. Ia

Well-known Member

Similar threads