Where is the standard engine tune up information listed in the factory manuals?
I am looking for the plug gap, the distributor timing, and the correct RPM setting for checking the timing with the timing light.
Also the idle speed too.
I have read my engine manual for my '91 4.2 liter engine and do not find it there.
jimm1009

If you are referring to a 420 116.xxx engine then the plug gap should be .8mm or .032 in. The timing is handled by the EZL ignition unit and the crank shaft position sensor at the left rear of the engine. It is not adjustable. There is a setting for the distributor but it is done by setting the engine to TDC and then setting the distributor so the rotor points to a mark on the dist housing. You can use a timing light to check the EZL function for advance but I don't think I have ever seen any specs.

Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

Well that certainly clears up the "why" in why can't I find the specs.
I was going to set the distributor with the timing light but that won't be the case.

#1 TDC and point directly to the hash mark on the top of the distributor case.

Got it.

Thanks so much. Off I go to the garage again.

jimm1009

For reference:

Timing at:
Cranking and idle - w/o vacuum 3-7 BTDC, w/vac. 10-14 BTDC
@ 3500 RPM - w/o vac. 28-32 BTDC, w/vac. 41-45 BTDC

Thank You Frank R.

I put the engine back on TDC and put the center of the rotor on the hash mark or scribe mark on the distributor housing.

It started up cold just fine so the road test is next but not today as we are getting a bad rainstorm pretty soon.
jimm1009