Never timed a motor before and need some help. I changed the ignition module on the distributor today on my truck and I had marked its position and proceeded to pull the distributor out to change the module and put it back in, started the truck and it runs at a very low idle. Just need some help to time it. The truck is an '89 F-150, 302.

 

It kind of depends if you hit your mark correctly. The correct thing to do is bring the number 1 piston up to TDC on the compression stroke & check against the distributor rotor position. http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=71

 

Hmmm, offhand would suggest you got the distributor in one tooth off, one way or another. IMO, the base of the distributor should be marked relative to the intake manifold, and the rotor button should be marked relative to the distributor housing. Get 'em both right, timing should be where it was - as long as the engine wasn't bumped over.

At any rate - no biggie. Will need a timing light.
1) Attach lead to the #1 cylinder - which is the passenger-side front.
2) Find the 10BTDC mark on the crank pulley and mark it with a soapstone, whiteout, etc. as well as the pointer for visibility from above.
3) Remove the SPOUT connector - it's a two-wire lead with what looks like a dummy plug in the connector near the distributor base - remove the plug.
4) Set time to 10BTDC, perhaps a touch less if the timing chain has a lot of miles on it - stretched a bit.
5) Set the clamping bolt on the distributor, verify that timing has not moved.
6) Re-install the SPOUT connector.

Should be good-to-go.

 

Thanks guys, I'll see what I can get done with what little light I have.

 

Nobody looks at posted links? http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=71

 

My grandpa came over and we got it running about right, gonna take it in to school tomorrow so I can get a timing light and make some final adjustments.

 

Took it in today and we figured out it was 4 degree's off, runs good now ha.

 

My, what a surprise!