Ignition timing

[Gilesy]

I'm refitting the Distributor on my 2.9 S2 after some minor engine work and now I'm confused

The bible states initial static setting as 8 BTDC but the Sierra manual supplement (for 2.9 engines) states 12 BTDC.

I realise the unleaded retardation is carried out on the ECU, thats OK, I just need clarification as to the intial static setting. If any one can help I would be most grateful.

Thanks
Ian

[shpub]

The ignition timing is set for life when the engine is built. If the engine or dizzy is changed, this all has to be reset. Really don't think it makes that much difference as the car will have to go to a Ford dealer to set the ECU into timing adjust mode anyway to do this.

See www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10714&f=11&h=0&hw=ignition

[dern]

I went through this and in the end booked it into a ford garage. They plug the car into a diagnostic device and set it into a timing mode and then adjust the dist. You'll need to show them the mess of wire in the passenger footwell and there'll be a connector there they can connect to. It only takes half an hour.

Mark

[Gilesy]

Thanks guys

I think I'll set it to 12 BTDC and book a session on a rolling road.

Ian

[dern]

Isn't it a good idea to get the ford guys to set the timing first, at least you'll be able to use it before your rolling road session and you won't waste your rolling road time.

Mark

[haggishead]

If you REALLY want to set the ignition timing yourself, you can fool the ECU into static timing mode.

If you disconnect the throttle pot switch (3 wire plug on the end of the throttle spindle) the ECU will generate Fault Code 60 and default to a static timing mode. You can then set the ignition timing if you really have to!. Connect the switch again and it should (I emphasise SHOULD!) go back to normal ECU operation.

Least I know it works on 2.9 Granadas! Haven't tried it on my TVR yet though... try it at yer own risk!

Edited cos I can't type...

>> Edited by haggishead on Tuesday 29th April 22:31

[Gilesy]

Sorry Guys, I didn't explain myself properly.

I am refitting the distributor, I took it out to get the inlet manifold off, What I needed to know was the angle before top dead centre on no. 1 cylinder that the distributor is fitted at. This is the Initial Static Timing i.e. engine not running. This has nothing to do with the ECU timing as the ECU just advances and retards the timing from whatever the initial static timing is set to (the ECU receives engine position pulses from the distributor itself).

I need to get the engine running before I take the car to any diagnosis session, so fitting the distributor at 12 BTDC will do that. I could do with knowing the correct initial setting which would save any faffing about during the session and leave time for any other tuning problems encountered.

Thanks for your help
Ian

[shpub]

I looked this up in my I spy book of ignition timings and got values from 8 to 12 all with the comment that the static timing needs to be set with a visit to a Ford dealer (or words to that effect). If there are marks where the dizzy went originally, I would use those or somewhere between 8 and 12 should be OK to get the engine running and then it can be set up correctly.

[shpub]

Just found some other info. 8 is used for cars that run on unleaded and 12 for cars with Leaded fuel. This would explain why there is a difference.

[Gilesy]

Thanks Steve, that would make sense as the timing is retarded by the ECU 4 degrees for unleaded. 12 BTDC it is then a trip to the rolling road.

Thanks again all
Ian