Ignition Timing Margin of Error

[joesregalproject]

I am in the process of setting the ignition timing on my Ford truck. I replaced the distributor a month or so ago and just got around to setting the timing. I only drive it a mile or so but it seemed to run okay without the timing set.

So today I marked the correct timing mark (10° BTDC) with a silver sharpie and hooked the light up. I also disconnected the spout connector to disable the advance.

I was able to get the timing mark to line up, but everytime I tighten the distributor it it would turn and move a little. The distributor bolt is in an extremely awkward spot and hard to tighten without the wrench slipping off. I finally got the distributor tightened with the pointer on the sharpie line, but its not in the exact center of the line (sharpie line is maybe 1/8-3/16" thick).

This means it is maybe 1°, 2° degrees at the most off of exactly 10° BTDC. My question is, will this matter much if at all? I want to know if I can leave it at "good enough", or should I give it another go before I return the timing light to my friend?

Just FYI, the truck seemed to be pretty insensitive to the timing being changed. It wouldn't stall, even with the timing really advanced or retarded, and maybe my hearing is going, but I couldn't hear it ping when it was advanced really far.

 

[64nailhead]

If stock - not really. Hopefully it's advanced rather than retarded.

 

[joesregalproject]

Its a stock motor. Why is a little advanced better than a little retarded? (Lol, get your mind out of the gutter.)

 

[64nailhead]

Run cooler and most stock setups' main concern was emissions and performance was secondary. One of the methods to accomplish this was by retarded timing. Retarding it further will only hamper performance further.Also will make the engine run hotter.

 

[Texas82GP]

These would probably help with tightening the bolt and holding the position of the distributor...
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIoIaDlLXp1wIVhrXACh0OuAVjEAQYAiABEgK5LPD_BwE

 

[DRIVEN]

Those Fords are pretty forgiving. We used the retard the sh*t out of them to get through emissions testing. Helped cover up a tired cat. From what you're describing you're completely fine.

 

[joesregalproject]

Well I went back today and remarked the timing mark a little bit more exact, and I bought my own timing light from Harbor Freight (was only $25 and I'll end up needing it again eventually) and it was much brighter and easier to use than the one I borrowed. The timing was retarded a degree or two, so I advanced it to 11°-12° BTDC, just a bit past the 10° that the book recommends. From what I've read online, a lot of guys are running 14° or more. I had someone hold the light while I turned and tightened the distributor. It was much easier this time as opposed to using the older light by myself.

Those Fords are pretty forgiving. We used the retard the sh*t out of them to get through emissions testing. Helped cover up a tired cat. From what you're describing you're completely fine.

It sure seemed to be pretty forgiving, as I was able to advance it as far as the distributor would turn without it pinging, and I was able to retard it really far too and it still seemed to run okay. Now that the timing is where it should be it really seems to be running much better. Starts easier, idles better and felt like more power just from the little bit I drove it afterwards.

 

[64nailhead]

It sure seemed to be pretty forgiving, as I was able to advance it as far as the distributor would turn without it pinging, and I was able to retard it really far too and it still seemed to run okay. Now that the timing is where it should be it really seems to be running much better. Starts easier, idles better and felt like more power just from the little bit I drove it afterwards.

That's what I was hinting at in my previous post. Keep advancing it until you feel some detonation, then back it off off 2 degrees. Performance and fuel economy will increase. Emissions will suffer, but emissions should be a four letter word lol.

 

[joesregalproject]

That's what I was hinting at in my previous post. Keep advancing it until you feel some detonation, then back it off off 2 degrees. Performance and fuel economy will increase. Emissions will suffer, but emissions should be a four letter word lol.

Well I'm fine with the truck being stock, I'm not really looking for a power upgrade or anything. But if I can advance it a couple degrees for a possible benefit, without hurting anything else, I don't mind doing so. I just don't want to get too crazy with it, as I still have to pass the state emissions scam, and I don't want to get into having it knock or running premium gas.

 

[DRIVEN]

A degree or two past spec is completely okay. Don't go too far. It'll gain you nothing.
Glad to see you're getting close to the end. It's been a fun project to watch.