I have an 1989 Ford - 302 needing help with ignition timing I've tried between 5 BTDC and 10 ATDC with no difference What's to be considered as TDC will allow the truck to respond in park not in gear?

Answer 1

I'm not a mechanic / technician but I remember having to disconnect the " spout connector " which is a little jumper wire plug near the distributor to set the static engine timing on a 1991 302 . I checked my repair manual and your timing should be 10 degrees BTDC

The spout connector disables your computer control over the ignition timing. This MUST be removed for proper timing. If you have properly unplugged the spout connector you will notice NO change in timing when you rev the motor. If the timing fluctuates while reving you unplugged something else. It is usually a Square plug inline from the distributor on the yellow wire. On newer models it is a round plug. When you plug your spout connector back in your timing will no longer be 10 BTDC because the computer now has control over the ignition timing. And btw, if you go 10ATDC you will have zero power, if it even stays on at all. And if your setting to ATDC with the spout connector in the computer is compensating for the outrageous timing setting.