how do i set the timing on a 85 ford Ranger 2.8 v6 ???

Question

Cant seem to get it right and now i have backfiring comein out my carb PLEASE HELP ME

Answer 1

Disconnect the vacuum tube/hose from the vacuum advance diaphragm at your carb and plug the hose and just the hose. Now this is your base timing....now you can adjust your timing. Once you adjust your timing reconnect the vacuum tube back to your vacuum advance diaphragm and you should be good to go.

Answer 2

Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the front of the engine.

Clean off the timing marks so that you can see them.

Mark the timing marks with a piece of chalk or with paint. Color the mark on the scale that will indicate the correct timing when it is aligned with the mark on the pulley or the pointer. It is also helpful to mark the notch in the pulley or the tip of the pointer with a small dab of color

Start the engine and allow it to run until it reaches normal operating temperature.

Once normal operating temperature has been reached, shut the engine OFF.

Firmly apply the parking brake and block the drive wheels. Place the transmission in P(A/T) or NEUTRAL(M/T, as applicable).


Make sure heater and A/C, along with all other accessories are in the OFF position.

Disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor and plug it.

Attach a tachometer to the engine.

Attach a timing light according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Check to make sure that all of the wires clear the fan and then start the engine.

Adjust the idle to the correct setting.

Aim the timing light at the timing marks. If the marks that you put on the pulley and the engine are aligned when the light flashes, the timing is correct. Turn off the engine and remove the tachometer and the timing light. Connect the vacuum line to the distributor. If the marks are not in alignment, proceed with the following stops.

Loosen the distributor lockbolt just a little. Some models may use a security-type holddown bolt. Use Distributor Holddown Wrench, Tool T82L-12270-A, or equivalent, to loosen the holddown bolt.

With the timing light aimed at the pulley and the marks on the engine, turn the distributor in the direction of rotor rotation to retard the spark, and in the opposite direction of rotor rotation to advance the spark. Align the marks on the pulley and the engine with the flashes of the timing light.


When the marks are aligned, tighten the distributor lockbolt and recheck the timing with the timing light to make sure that the distributor did not move when you tightened the lockbolt.

Turn the engine OFF and remove the timing light and tachometer. Connect the vacuum line to the distributor.

Answer 3

85 Ford Ranger

Answer 4

Ford 2.8 V6

Answer 5

next to the distributor is a single wire with a connector. start the vehicle .hook up the timing light cable to the number cylinder. disconnect the single wire connector,aim the timing light at the crankshaft pulley and the notch should be at 10 degree before top dead center. let engine get warm and recheck the timing once more.

Answer 6

assuming your using a timing light, the engine should run fine once is set correct. BUT, if the timing chain has slipped as little as one link, you'll get the syptoms your showing here. Most likely, you need a new timing chain. (not great news, but at least it's all in the accesable part of the engine) GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

Don't worry about the timing mark for now.

Put it back to TDC #1 and make sure the rotor in the distributor cap #1 plug wire are lined up.

Doublecheck your firing order if you had the plug wires off.