Engine Timing: How much power can be lossed?????

[breakthru62]

So, the guy I had helping me with my ranger decided to he was going to time my engine when I wasn't there.

The exhaust was off at the time he tried to adjust it.

The engine runs decent, but really lacks the power it had before. I can barely get to 55, and it pings and rattles alot too. The rattle almost sounds like the exhaust is loose and rattling, but I know it the timing/engine sound.

I did just change the plugs and that didn't help.

The rig has sat for 2 years and I currently running the old gas though I.

How much can timing effect the power??

Any ideas of what else to look for??

 

[Ranger5.0]

its the differece between runing and not running at all. so it can drasticaly effect the power

 

[Jorley]

If the plug fires too soon or too late, you can lose alot.

If it fires as the piston is still moving up to TDC, the forces are working against each other. Not only losing power but also there is the chance of bending a rod.

If it fires too long after the piston is moving down past TDC, the combustion pressures will be lower, resulting in loss of power.

The best thing to do is get a timing light and reset the timing to its proper place.

 

[breakthru62]

Thanks guys for the info guys, it makes sense and I have a better understanding now.

 

[breakthru62]

To anyone who was paying attention to this thread (not much going on here, but still maybe it helps)........

I disconnected the "spout" connection and timed it. After a few minutes of not finding the timing marks with the timing light, I checked the plug wires and found that #1 & #3 were switched. So, after swapping those two wires and setting the timing......I got back all the power and she runs like a champ. Thanks to you guys for the info and the such!!!!

Scott