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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 09:50:49 PM

Title: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: ToniJ1960 on October 31, 2011, 09:50:49 PM

 I recently switched the vacuum on the distributor over to the carb vacuum, to retard the timing a little because it was pinging and having pre ignition.

 Now, it runs pretty smooth even at a lower idle. But its missing some pick up and hard to start. I want to advance the timing a degree or two. I know I need to turn the distributor counterclockwi se to advance it. Its been so long since I did i though I dont remember what size wrench to use. Someone here said in another thread 17 mm, I read somewhere else 13 mm. In chiltons it says 78 with 2.3 its a screw. Im pretty sure its a bolt but I might be thinking of my old 74`s I had before this one.

 Anyone know for sure 2.3 1978. I want to get a distributor wrench if I can find one the right size. Autozone has them but not in metric. Just 9/16 and half inch. I think I remember using a spark plug wrench one time, that may have been on an older one.

Title: Re: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: dave1987 on November 01, 2011, 04:56:17 PM

My 78 Sedan's is a 17mm. I just use a 17mm socket on an 18" 3/8 drive extension, works great.

Title: Re: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: ToniJ1960 on November 01, 2011, 04:58:45 PM

 I can try it, I have 16mm and 18 wouldnt you know it. Guess il go buy a 17mm. It looks pretty hard to get to in mine. I dont remember it being too hard but that was probably on the 74s I had before.

 Thanks for reassuring its 17mm. Wonder if 11/16 might fit it?

Title: Re: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: D.R.Ball on November 02, 2011, 04:37:03 PM

Nope use a 17mm or you will round it out....Had the same kind of problem removing an automatic brake pedal this weekend it was a 1/2 nut and bolt but a 14mm fit but it was not right....I finally got it out but it took way too long.This is the reason to this day that I curse Jimmy Carter's name.....Havin g g to use both a metric and S.A.E. is a joke...BTW metric on the engine (some parts) and S.A.E. on some parts....What a night mare...

Title: Re: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: ToniJ1960 on November 02, 2011, 06:47:11 PM

 What about one of these

Title: Re: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: JohnW on November 02, 2011, 07:46:22 PM

A crow's foot probably wouldn't fit, there's not that much room around the bolt.  17mm socket on a long extension, you should be able to get straight at it if you move the wires to the side a little.

You don't need a distributor wrench or anything, the socket with extension works perfect.

Title: Re: adjusting ignition timing what wrench to use
Post by: 78txpony on November 02, 2011, 10:21:12 PM

Socket and extension.
The PCV valve hose will need to get pushed aside some to get it on.