no timing advance

[Mark in Reno]

just rebuilt 89, 2.9 in my 4 by 4 ranger. runs smooth, timed with light to 10 degrees . at first we did not disconnect the wire relay plug for advance control but then re-timed with it unpluged. My machine shop mechanic said I could damage that unit with the timing light if relay was plugged in. trk drives okay if not going up a hill, but can not get it to get going. It passed smog with great results and I am at about 4500 ft elevation. this has a tfi-iv dist.,

 

[ab_slack]

I don't know what the "the wire relay plug" is. You need to time with the SPOUT connector pulled. Maybe that is what you are calling wire relay plug.

The SPOUT connector is just a little jumper plug. If you did that, did you check that timing advances when you plugged it back in? The harnesses on these things are getting quite old and if it isn't making good contact when plugged back in, you won't get any advance.

 

[Mark in Reno]

okay, thanks on correct term spout connecter. It's working because when you unplug it the engine changes rpm and when unplugged with timing light when you gave it some gas the timing mark did nnot move, but whrn plugged in it did advance with timing light. might need to have a shop figure it out. I might play with the timing some more. back in Ohio it ran great at 0 elevation, but when I got to the mtn's it had no power.

 

[ab_slack]

Sounds like you got the Timing set and it is operating as expected. At least when you set it. I've heard the module on the distributor can overheat, but then it should be fine cold so unless it only happens when it is hot, I wouldn't think that is the issue.

I would start looking at other potential things. Personally I don't have any idea what may be affected by elevation...unless it is just coincidence that a problem cropped up with you going into high elevations.

 

[truckerdawg]

Check your fuel filter-they can hinder open throttles a lot. Also I time by vacuum pressure. Hook up a vacuum gauge to your intake and take the readings- it should be pulling 23 inHg on a new engine-maybe a little more. You always want your vacuum maximized till you start detonation problems of course.

 

[fyre82]

As a suggestion you might go back and make sure that you were set at TDC before timing the engine.
Do it manually with #1 at top and the timing mark on the crank pulley should be at 0, pull spout and time from there.

Another cause could be tire size? Are you stock or over sized? Any other mods that could affect performance in that way?

My '88 is no speed demon and most hills up here can be third gear pulls with a FM146 and 30's.
My super on 31's with 410's will out pull and out run my 373 '88 hands down but it won't pull most 5K+ elevations without a downshift.

Good luck
Rich

 

[Mark in Reno]

thks for the feed back, tires are the same before engine huffed, will try vac test and new filter. yes this trk could use a few more horses under the hood to get up the steep grades. this engine was rebuilt +12 yrs ago in ohio then moved out to Nv. when I got into the mtns it had no power then until I bumped the dist some. will work on this in a bit have another car to fix first, never ends.