1987 T-Bird

Hello.

What does the timing mark for the 87 T-Bird "look like"? All I noticed was a "slot" on the dampner. I lined up the mark with the timing plate.
I still have "pinging" when engine is under load. I checked the plug gap and it appears okay.

Anyhelp is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Chuck

I am assuming a 3.8l engine from the "slot on the dampner". There will be a metal tab with the leading edge looking like saw teeth. It'll be marked with about 12 lines and read from left to right 10 6 0 6. The numbers to the left of the zero will be BTDC and the number to the right will be ATDC. I don't remember what the timing should be for an '87 and my book says to refer to the underhood sticker.

most likely 0 degrees with spout connector disconnected the big slot in the balancer is for the factory ting probe your looking for a line "etched" in the balancer.. the easiest was to find is clean off grease or road dirt and take 180 grit sandpaper and lightly sand surface the "etching" is deep enough so that you wont sand it off... im pretty sure on the spec but ill check at work tomorrow in my mitchell or alldata

most likely 0 degrees with spout connector disconnected the big slot in the balancer is for the factory ting probe your looking for a line "etched" in the balancer.. the easiest was to find is clean off grease or road dirt and take 180 grit sandpaper and lightly sand surface the "etching" is deep enough so that you wont sand it off... im pretty sure on the spec but ill check at work tomorrow in my mitchell or alldata


Thank yous to the both of the repliers. I forgot to mention that it is a 5.0 L engine. I will check for the "traditional" timing mark on the dampner. The engine idles fine, it is when it is under load that I hear the pinging. Heck, I can smoke the tires with my foot on the brake, but it pings. Guess I will break out the ol wd-40 and a wire brush to clean the rust off.
Thank yous again!
Chuck aka ulremember

The 5.0's should have the degree markings on the dampner itself and there should be an indicator bolted onto the timing cover hanging out over the dampner. Should resemble a long thin triangle.

Thank yous to the both of the repliers. I forgot to mention that it is a 5.0 L engine. I will check for the "traditional" timing mark on the dampner. The engine idles fine, it is when it is under load that I hear the pinging. Heck, I can smoke the tires with my foot on the brake, but it pings. Guess I will break out the ol wd-40 and a wire brush to clean the rust off.
Thank yous again!
Chuck aka ulremember


Got it! Thanks Amazing what you can see when the part is cleaned prior to checking! :redface: