2.9 timing problems
 

I have a 87 2.9 v6 having a lot of issues getting timing right. Distributor was removed completely and haven't been able to get the timing right since. I can get it to fire and run but sounds like it's only running on a few cylinders and has no throttle. I've set timing multiple times but just can't seem to get it right. Any tips or solution's would be great because I'm out of ideas.

Welcome to the forum

2.9l like most vehicle engines is a 4-stroke
So there are TWO #1 Top Dead Centers(TDCs)
But you have a 50/50 chance of just guessing right the first time and not much trouble to reverse it to the other TDC if wrong, and no harm done

Firing order on the distributor cap can get out of order, need to check that 3 times and then have a friend check it with YOU out the the way

Seen here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...1&d=1204731360

The spark system has a Spark Advance that must be disabled to set base spark timing with a timing light(same an vacuum advance was on older engines)
Called the SPOUT connector, it must be unplugged to set timing, it near the distributor on the TFI modules wiring harness

Some 2.9ls can have a "eyelet" hole and a pointer on the front cover above the crank balancer, used to set timing
Eyelet was for a Ford tool, and NOT used to set 10-12deg BTDC timing, only use the pointer

Thanks for all the info. Ive verified all the plugs are in correct order and also used the pointer to set the timing mark on the crank. Also verified number 1 is at tdc by pulling the number 1 spark plug out and feeling with a screwdriver but still no luck on getting it running. Is it possible when setting the distributor back in it's off by one tooth? I've marked the distributor body where number 1 is on the cap but getting the distributor to sit all the way back in is quite a pain.

The distributor is also the oil pump drive, so under the distributor is a hex shaft that the distributor's hex drive needs to match up with, once distributor is in the hole and down as far as it will go, turn the crank 90deg left and right and then back to TDC mark, distributor will have dropped into place

Screwdriver in #1 spark plug hole just tells you piston is at ONE of the TWO #1TDCs, not the right one, but could be, 50/50 chance
The TDC 0deg mark on balancer tells you the same thing, not which #1 TDC but that #1 piston is at the top

Spark has to happen on #1 TDC Compression stroke, not #1 TDC exhaust stroke, or no start

2.9l firing order is 1 4 2 5 3 6
Firing order is determined by the Cam and valves, and you can't see those

On any engine you can use the firing order to get the "Matched Pairs" used to Balance an engine
In a V6 there will be 3 Matched Pairs
Split the firing order in half and put 1 half below the other
1 4 2 5 3 6 becomes
1 4 2
5 3 6

Those are the Matched pairs, each pair is at TDC at the same time, one on compression stoke and the other on exhaust stroke as set by the Cam and valves
So Pairs are 1/5, 4/3, and 2/6

The reason you need to know the above is so you know the reason for what you are going to do next, lol
With a no start and distributor in place
Rotate crank until its on the #1 TDC mark again
Lift distributor cap
Rotor WILL BE pointed at #1 OR #5 spark plug wire
If its pointed at #5 lift distributor and rotate rotor so it points at #1

If its pointed at #1 lift distributor and rotate rotor so it points at #5

Engine will now start, for sure