So I'm having some timing trouble with my 289 SBF

"Corson Currently Coupein' It" (Corsonmcnash)
08/19/2013 at 19:26 • Filed to: None

Firstly, apologies to the awful cell phone picture, but that is my engine.

I know there are some of you who own older cars, specifically mustangs and I've got a question for you: Does anyone have any idea how to adjust the timing on a SBF 289 without a timing light? I drove her roughly 200 hundred city/highway miles after the timing was set at a friends in Maine two weeks ago. However the bolt holding the (brand new) distributor in place loosened, and after driving it home from work today the timing got out of wack, and I stalled/looked like an idiot surging down the road. Once I got her home I did manage to achieve a steady idle by slowly rotating the distributor, but I let it stall out and now can't get the car started/move the distributor at the same time as I only have two arms and they aren't that flexible. I also have to adjust my valves as well, but I gotta get her to idle before I can do that.

Really just looking for any Ideas or compassion before I decide to pony up for/preferably borrow a timing light.

DISCUSSION (7)

GasolineLollipop > Corson Currently Coupein' It
08/19/2013 at 19:35

Number 1 cylinder is the pass front. Pull the cap and rotate the engine until the harmonic balancer lines up with the timing pointer. Careful since you may be 180 out. The rotor should be pointing to the #1 plug wire on the cap. The rotor spins counter clockwise. Rotate the distributor until everything lines up. now you are at a starting point

EDIT: Pony up for the timing light! http://boxwrench.net/specs/ford_289…

Michael Delaney reaches down between his legs and eases the seat back > Corson Currently Coupein' It
08/19/2013 at 19:35

I can't recall ever doing timing without a light. Any chance whoever set your timing marked the dizzy and the block?

Bandit > Corson Currently Coupein' It
08/19/2013 at 19:55

I've been through the same thing with my car. If possible find a friend. It is nearly impossible to do timing by yourself (unless you have a remote starter tool thing)

I would say invest in a timing light, but you should be able to hear when the car is running correct.

Corson Currently Coupein' It > Bandit
08/20/2013 at 00:35

Yeah, I helped set the timing up in Maine, much easier with four hands. You are right though, I should just buy a timing light. I checked on the my local parts store website and they were like $140 and above, I need to pick up more shifts to drop that. I checked amazon after though, and I found a respectable light for like 30- 40 shipped.

Audio Tachometer > Corson Currently Coupein' It
08/20/2013 at 11:51

Autozone lends tools. They would probably have a timing light.

Corson Currently Coupein' It > Audio Tachometer
08/20/2013 at 12:41

Yeah I went over there today, they didn't have any for rent but they've got a 40 dollar one, I figure it's whatever, might as well just buy it and keep it in the car toolbox just in case.

Corson Currently Coupein' It > GasolineLollipop
08/20/2013 at 12:43

Yeah, I went by auto zone today, They've got a 40 dollar one, I think I'll just buy it, cant hurt to have it in the cars toolbox. Good info/link too, thanks.