Timing question

[Danec71]

Just wondering if the initial timing settings are the same for the 86 and 87 rangers with the EGR system compared to the 88 and 89 with non-EGR. Also, is it best to check the alignment of the distributor to the number one cylinder by putting the crankshaft at 10° before top dead center on the mark and checking to see if the distributor aligns with Cylinder number one. Or just set the crankshaft at top dead center and align the distributor pointing to number one. I know in the end when you adjust the distributor it’s all kind of the same, but is it true that sometimes things aren’t properly aligned like they should be

 

[Uncle Gump]

Number one at TDC compression stroke. Distributor rotor pointing to one on the cap. Turn the distributor to adjust timing.

No need to reinvent the wheel here.

What engine is it?

 

[Danec71]

Number one at TDC compression stroke. Distributor rotor pointing to one on the cap. Turn the distributor to adjust timing.

No need to reinvent the wheel here.

What engine is it?

2.9 L. I was just reading something about someone was saying that sometimes distributors are not aligned well in manufacture. So you can set your timing market 10° and make sure that distributor is pointing at number one spark plug wire. I know it’s the same thing to have it at zero on the crankshaft at number one cylinder And have the distributor pointing at number one spark plug wire. Then addressed your timing to 10°.. But his theory was that sometimes things aren’t quite aligned.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I wouldn't go chasing that theory.

Ensure you pull the SPOUT connector... turn distributor until you see 10 degrees BTDC.

If you can't get the timing set where it's suppose to be and run. You likely have the distributor off one tooth. Pull it and put it back in after moving it a tooth.

 

[Danec71]

Truck is running fine. I switched out my computer a few years back to eliminate the egr and knock sensor.mine is a 1986. I switched in a 89 computer. What got me thinking about this was if there was any difference in the initial timing set up between a egr system and not. Since in a non egr the computer adjusts timing under load to keep pistons cooler instead of injecting exhaust gases. I wasn’t sure if there might have been a slight diff in timing.