how do you check the timing on a 1991 ford taurus?

3 Comments

1. Fordtech says:

   November 8, 2009 at 12:15 am

   timing light connected to #1 plug wire.(back side of engine passanger side) engine at oper. temp. key off remove spout connector, restart engine, point timing light at right side of crankshaft pully look down at crankshaft pully between strut tower and engine set timing to 10 degree or what ever spec is it should be on a sticker under the hood with the vacuum line routing diagram
2. alex says:

   November 8, 2009 at 12:15 am

   you look at it to make sure it doesn’t look all dry and damaged , when it needs to be replaced it will start to crack and look "dry" and not be as flexible
3. Ryan M says:

   November 8, 2009 at 12:15 am

   If you have the 3.8 Essex then you may need to move the windshield washer fluid/coolant reservoir out of the way to aim the timing light onto the harmonic balancer. The timing marks on this engine are referenced to a "slot" to the left of the balancer, around the 11 o’clock position. I find it helpful to apply a dab of white paint to the 10 degree mark so I know which mark I’m looking at when the engine is running. The spout connector is located in the wiring harness at the top of the firewall, close to the center of the vehicle. It’s a black plastic plug the size of bottle cap, only cubic. A shop manual explains everything else.