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1978-79 Models

  1. Clean surface of front damper and make a White mark on proper degree line on damper and pointer. Turn A/C off and de-energize throttle solenoid positioner (if equipped). Disconnect and plug vacuum lines from distributor.
  2. If equipped with dual mode timing ignition module, disconnect the 3-pin switch assembly from ignition module.
    1978 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (DEGREES BTDC@RPM)

    Application Specification
    302"
      Cougar & Thunderbird 8@Curb Idle
      Fairmont & Zephyr
      Calif. 12@Curb Idle
      Federal 6@Curb Idle
      High Alt 16@Curb Idle
      Ford & LTD II
      Calif. 12@Curb Idle
      Federal 14@Curb Idle
      High Altitude 16@Curb Idle
      Granada & Monarch
      California 12@Curb Idle
      Federal (1) 2@Curb Idle
      High Altitude 16@Curb Idle
      Mustang II
      California 10@Curb Idle
      Federal (2) 4@Curb Idle
      High Altitude 16@Curb Idle
      Versailles 30@Curb Idle
    351" M
      California 16@Curb Idle
      Federal 9@Curb Idle
    351" W 14@Curb Idle
    400"
      California 16@Curb Idle
      Federal 13@Curb Idle
    460" 16@Curb Idle
    (1) Ignition timing is 12°BTDC on manual transmission equipped models.
    (2) Ignition timing is 10°BTDC on manual transmission equipped models.
    1979 IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS (DEGREES BTDC@RPM) (1)

    Application Specification
    302"
      California
      Versailles (2) Nonadjustable
      Decal AFG (2) Nonadjustable
      Decal AFR & AGD 6@500
      All Others 12@500
      Federal
      Versailles (3) 30@625
      Decal ABB (3) 15@625
      Decal AFH, AFJ, AEP & AER 6@500
      Decal AFU 8@500
      All Others (4) 8@500
    351" M
      California 14@800
      Federal 12@800
    351" W
      California (2) Nonadjustable
      Federal 15@800
      Decal ADZ & AEV 10@800
      Decal AGY & AGZ (2) Nonadjustable
      High Altitude 10@800
    400"
      California 16@800
      Federal 14@800
      Decal AGE 16@800
    (1) The "Decal" 3-letter designation may be found on lower right-hand side of Ford's Vehicle Emission Control Information Label, attached to engine valve cover.
    (2) Engine cranking reference timing is 10°BTDC.
    (3) Automatic transmission in Drive.
    (4) Ignition timing is 12°BTDC on manual transmission equipped models.
  3. On all models, connect timing light to No. 1 spark plug and a tachometer to engine. On Dura-Spark ignition systems, use only a clamp-on, inductive type timing light and tachometer compatible with this system.
  4. With engine at normal operating temperature, adjust ignition timing to specification. If initial timing is within 2 degrees of specification, do not adjust timing. Reconnect 3-pin connector.
  5. If more then 2 degrees off, loosen distributor hold down bolt. Adjust ignition timing to specifications by rotating distributor to align marks on damper and pointer. Tighten hold-down bolt and recheck timing.
  6. For vehicles with dual mode timing ignition module, reconnect the 3-pin switch assembly connector to module and check its function.
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