Ok im startin to get frustrated here. my 87' 2.9 is finnaly back togather and running, but mow I need to adjust the timing cause its running like crap. I know that I need to disconect a wire so that the module doesnt try to compensate for me adjusting the timing, but where is the module located at? Am I blind and not seeing it? Please help, couldnt find another thread like this

 

I'm really not sure on the 2.9 but if it is an ignition module it would be located at the end of the spark plug wire that doesn't have a spark plug attached to it??? Also if it is an ignition module I have never heard of being able to adjust the timing. Is there a distributer?

 

I don't have any shop info for your 87 but I THINK this is how it is setup:

Look for the Thick Film Ignition Module either right on the distributor or possibly over on the inner fender. 4 wires run from the TFI Module to the ECA (aka PCM). I believe that your ECA is under the passenger side kick panel but I don't know that for sure. The connector that is removed to set the base timing is called the "SPOUT", it is inline in one of the 4 wires and probably looks vaguely like an inline fuse holder. The SPOUT may be somewhere along a yellow/green wire - at least that's the color code for a 1989 Ranger. When the SPOUT is disconnected, the ECA no longer controls advance and the base timing can be set. AFAIK, the timing should be 10* BTDC but double check on the underhood label or in a shop manual to be sure.

 

The ignition control module is on the distributor, but there should be a connector that you can unplug just for adjusting timing.

 

I think this may help.

 

Haynes Manuals have a good sense of telling you where it is too... and in layman terms... :)

 

Thank's for the info. The spout wire is whats been killin me. After I realized that the module is on my distributor, I started looking for the spout line, but to no avail so far. Ill just keep looking.