Am new to this thread, have a 94 f150 4.9l E4OD 210K a couple of months ago truck started acting funny, would idle up and down and die constantly, put snap on scanner on it no codes present, from reading on this forum about not getting codes i decided to take PCM out and check it, sure enough melted capacitor. Changed it then truck ran worse! Wont idle at all and has terrible miss, put scanner back on it got EGR code, and code 212. Changed EGR, no codes at all now still misses, changed ICM, no help, still wont idle changed IAC, and TPS, still no help. Bought a distributor but havent changed it yet, has no dial to check timing. While truck is running i can pull vacuum line for FPR off truck runs somewhat better, checked fuel pressure 50 PSI while running. Truck doesnt have cats, smog pump bypassed, and only has rear tank. I have no patience left, need this fixed use it for work, please help

 

Try testing fuel pressure while running. I'm having a nasty run around with my 96 5.0 myself. If pressure is consistent and within spec's, I would lean to try swapping that distributor out that you said you got but haven't done. Hope that helps.

 

Yes it has timing marks. They don't come off.

 

Check timing and do vacuum test.

 

the timing marks are on the harmonic balancer on the front of the engine.. its easier if you get a remote starter and hook it to the fender relay for the starter and run it through to the ground, unhook your spark plug wire from the ignition coil so that the engine won't turn over, lay on the ground with a paint marker and crank the engine til you can see the numbers on the harmonic balancer then mark them with the paint marker (or timing tape either will work but i found the paint marker more convenient). Go to your local parts store and get a timing light and hook it to the battery, ground it to the block, and hook the spark plug clamp onto your #1 spark plug wire, if you look at the harmonic balancer from the top you will find a little "needle" type pointer, (heres an image)
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/3...ize/timing.jpg
shine the light at the needle and that will give you your timing.

but before you try to change your timing make sure you remove the spout plug/connector, whatever you wanna call it. its on the drivers side on my 95 next to the ECM.
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=f150+...9,r:1,s:0,i:87