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Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: Imsickofweed on February 28, 2010, 10:21:19 PM

Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Imsickofweed on February 28, 2010, 10:21:19 PM
My current timing is at 0 degrees and needs to be at 10 for CA emissions. How do I advance it? Do I do it mechanically or with the vacuum advance? Whats the difference?
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Beau on February 28, 2010, 11:04:42 PM
With a timing light. Do it right the first time. Don't guess at it.

BTW, that's a unique user name...
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Imsickofweed on February 28, 2010, 11:42:01 PM
I know youd use a timing light to advance it mechanically, but Im asking if there is a special procedure for doing it on the V6 Cougar. Do I just rotate the distributor cap and call it a day or is there something more involved?
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: softtouch on March 01, 2010, 12:11:04 AM
There is no vacuum advance. Spark advance is controlled by the ECU.
Unplug the SPOUT (Spark Out) jumper and set the timing by rotating the distributor.(not just the cap.)
The SPOUT jumper is in the yellow wire to the TFI module.
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: jcassity on March 01, 2010, 12:16:58 AM
^what the master said but unplug it before starting.  plug it back in after shutting down.

i dont know why but thunderchicken made a big deal about it and i just took his word for it a long time ago,, never forgot it.
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Imsickofweed on March 01, 2010, 09:31:36 PM
Thanks softtouch, thats a big help.
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Imsickofweed on March 02, 2010, 10:39:33 PM
I cant seem to find the ECU. Is there a diagram on the site that can point it out for me? Is it in the engine bay or under the dash?
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: jcassity on March 02, 2010, 11:23:05 PM
going from adjusting the timing to the EEC?

what happened.

yes, an entire evtm is available for you if you like.

look in electrical tech and go to the thread 2othannivLS posted about his IVR problem.

its in there, the link will take you to photobucket.
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: jrad235 on March 03, 2010, 09:55:52 AM
Slow your roll there, and stay away from that EEC! You need to know where the TFI is.
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Ductape91 on March 03, 2010, 05:19:37 PM
i didnt use a timing light and worked out fine, youll be fine too.
wouldnt know how to use one actually :P
the ecu is in the passenger footwell by the door.
what exactly does that have to do with moving the distributor?
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Imsickofweed on March 03, 2010, 05:56:45 PM
Where is the TFI then?
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: hypostang on March 03, 2010, 06:42:50 PM
mounted right on the distributor here is a pic for ya
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: Imsickofweed on March 03, 2010, 08:37:45 PM
Thanks hypostang, you're awesome! Anybody know what happens if I advance the timing without disconnecting the SPOUT?
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: hypostang on March 03, 2010, 09:21:28 PM
I honestly dont know I never tried it
Title: How do I advance the timing on an '87 3.8?
Post by: CoogarXR on March 03, 2010, 10:08:17 PM
You want to adjust the "base" timing, with the spout disconnected. When the spout is connected, the EEC has control of the timing.

If you adjust it with the spout connected, it will be way off.
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