truck won't start: Ford 89 f250, engine: 351 5.8L?

Question

I am not a mechanic, so please try to explain your ideas more simply if you can, and please bare with me..

a couple days ago we were messing with the timing trying to get the truck to run better.. we synced it in at what we think is 10 degrees BTDC, and it didn't run any better, but it ran.. and today the truck barely started and ran super poorly. so we checked the plugs which were all fouled, cleaned them, and as we continued trying to start the truck the plugs would become full of gas, fouling again. Eventually we got the truck to start once, but decided it was running so poorly we'd better look at the timing thing again.

so we cleaned the plugs, adjusted the plug gap to .035 (is that right?) and tried again, spraying gas and starting fluid into the throttle valve. We got a nasty backfire fireball somehow and took a coffee break. Came back and now all the plugs are dry. engine stumbles to a start and the timing is way advanced somehow. turn truck off to turn distributer..

Answer 1

ok the best thing to do is to rest your time by pulling out your distribuator and than you take of the #one spark plug and get some paper towel and put it in the spark plug hole and hit your key little at a time until the paper come out by it self than put your rotor point to the #1 piston so place your cap on your distribuator and remenber where the rotor is at and that your #1 and than star setting your other wires and here is your firing order go there

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0a/18/d2/0900823d800a18d2.jsp

tdc 10 Degrees timing

Answer 2

Here is the timing procedure from Auto Zone for your vehicle:
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/09/f4/f4/0900823d8009f4f4/repairInfoPages.htm

the info should also be available on the under hood emissions label
If the link doesn't work, then Google Auto zone and select Repair Info.

Be certain that your timing light was attached to #1 cylinder.

It does sound as if you have the vehicle severely out of time from the description.

The Worst case scenario is that the backfiring has caused the engine to "jump time", meaning that the timing chain is worn sufficiently and the alignment of the components is too far removed from the correct synchronization that you will never be able to get the timing set correctly w/o first repairing the timing chain/gears.

Let's for now assume that this is not the case.
If however the advice I've already provided doesn't cure the malady, then look in the reapir info for finding TDC [top dead center]. Engine Electrical/ Replacing the distributor would be a likely place to find this information, as the engine needs to be at TDC prior to aligning/replacing a distributor.

This info [TDC] will allow you to determine if in fact the engine has "umped time".
[essentially involves verifying that the dist. rotor is pointing @ the #1 spark plug terminal when the timing marks are pointing to zero]

One last note.
Before you attempt to recheck/adjust the timing again, get the engine running and make certain that it reaches normal operating temperature.
If the engine is too cold, the fast idle system and some other components will cause any timing setting to be innacurate.

Be certain any vacuum hoses that may be disconnected [if you've removed an air cleaner] are plugged or taped over.
A golf tee works well to plug a hose.

Good luck
Don't lean over the carb when using any starting fluid unless you want to risk burning your face from a potential flame-up.

Answer 3

Since you said the plugs were fouled and you just cleaned then, replacing them with a new set will probably help it run a lot better. as far as the timing, if you don't do it right, you can really mess up.
I have found that when the plugs get washed down,as you say these were, that they just won't do the job like they are supposed to. That is why I always replaced them in cases like this. 98% of the time it fixed the not running problem and allowed me to find out what had caused the condition in the first place.
You said it backfired, so it might be a good idea to replace the distributer cap also since it could be cracked, but be careful not to screw up the firing order when switching the wires.
Good luck.

Answer 4

Go to this site & check that the wires are installed correctly.

http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/jpg/small/0900823d80175025.jpg

If OK then remove the top of the distributor cap; line up timing marks to TDC. Note the position of the rotor. Should line up with #1 spark plug wire. If it's 180° out, then turn the engine one complete revolution. Turn the distributor to line with #1 spark plug wire. Replace the cap.

To set the timing:
Disconnect the SPOUT (Spark Output) [look for a small gray sensor below the LH hood hinge]
Start the engine & set the timing to 10° BTDC
Install the SPOUT connector.

If it's still not running correctly, remove the wires one by one from the cap & both ends of the coil. They may be corroded. If the engine has never had a new set of wires; then I would suggest buying a new set, new cap/rotor, & install new plugs.

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Answer 5

Look at what you did!Did you get the plug wires on right....timing unless way out should not cause what you are talking about.Put the timing back. Are the wires and plugs bad...maybe its tuneup time. Don't poor gas or starter fluid in a open carb...unless you want a fire....plug gap should be on sticker under hood...i believe .44 for that truck if your not mod with msd etc. What were the plugs at before you adjusted? Take care and get her running..Fords are meant to run.....

Answer 6

I think I have had the same problem. Was it running real shitty in the first place that made you think it was the timing? I had (long story) a '90 5.8 that started acting funny. I timed it and it ran better. But while I was timing it I noticed a sound from back of intake. I didn't know what it was and couldn't track it down. I did notice a smell also. I talked to a Master Ford mechanic and he told me it was the exhaust pipe that goes from head to intake to head. Sorry i can't remember the name of it. Easy to figure it out though. Turns out it had a hole in it and caused a leak that messed up the emissions. I replaced the pipe and retimed my engine and That was all that was to that. I went from 18mpg to over 28mpg on highway pulling my big boat.

Answer 7

There should be timing marks on the harmonic balancer. Never heard of one that was 10* tho. I thought it would be 6. Anyway, it's on the sticker on the radiator support (if you can still read it). As to the problem...it could be that it jumped time. That means removing the fan, alternator/ac/power pump brackets, water pump, harmonic balancer....anything in the way of the timing chain cover just to get to the chain. Timing gears come with a set of dots to line up the gears with, but it's up to you to get #1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke before you put them on. Stick your finger in the spark plug hole and have someone turn the crank manually. When the air forces your finger out, thats the compression stroke. Then put a long screwdriver in the hole to find TDC by turning the crank just a little back and forth and feel the position of the screwdriver as it rises and falls with the top of the piston. (Not the most professional way to do it, but it works). Slap it all back together and put the light on it.
It could be something as simple as the spark control modulator going out or even the coil.
Good luck

Answer 8

Hmmm. Check the ignition coil this is a common fail area for this vehicle, also be sure to check the coil connections.
When you were setting the timing I hope that you unplugged the spout connector.
good luck
MERRY CHRISTMAS

PS: also check for excessive timing chain wear


PSS: BC this a fuel injected engine not carb, maybe you are getting up there in age,LOL , dont fret I am right behind you,

Answer 9

if the timing is off from were you set it it could be that the timing chain is bad or the distributor is gear is missing a tooth . jest a few things to look for all so you should check compression to see if all cylinders have good compression. this could be a factor

Answer 10

5.8 Ford Engine