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Question on ignition timing

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Mustang Forum >> Ford Mustang Tech >> 2005 - 2008 Mustangs >> 4.0L V6 Specific >> Drivetrain Performance >> Question on ignition timing Page: [1]
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Question on ignition timing - 3/4/2007 11:59:04 PM   
YellowBones

 

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Joined: 1/21/2007
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Hello everybody,

I wonder if I could switch the ignition timing on my 2006 V6 man. towards 91 octan gas without buying a tuner. Did somebody has experience in changing timing? Do I have to change other parameters too?

Thanks for your help...!
Post #: 1
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/5/2007 12:48:38 AM   
fazm


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From: arizona
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only way to do it is with a tuner, sorry.

no distributor to manually adjust

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2005 v6 mustang with gt500 power :)

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RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/5/2007 5:35:36 AM   
scrming


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quote:

ORIGINAL: YellowBones

Hello everybody,

I wonder if I could switch the ignition timing on my 2006 V6 man. towards 91 octan gas without buying a tuner. Did somebody has experience in changing timing? Do I have to change other parameters too?

Thanks for your help...!


actually the car's computer should automatically try to add more timing... The knock sensor will actually add a couple of degrees of timing if the computer thinks the car is "under-sparked"...   One of the mags showed like a 5HP (i think RWHP) gain by running premium in a GT... you won't see that much of a gain, but you should still see something...  (same computer, basically same programming)


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RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/5/2007 7:23:38 AM   
MdnytRider


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In the January issue of 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords, they tried increasing the octane in a V6 from 87 to 91 and lost 3 hp (though they attributed this to variables between dyno runs). Their conclusion was that there is no premium fuel strategy on the V6, so any increase in octane without changing the tune seems like wasted money.

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'08 Black on Black GT Deluxe - option free

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RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/5/2007 1:35:17 PM   
SOHCman


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From: Green Mt State
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Hi Folks,

Still having this problem with my Pony and the dealer can't figure it out. Must be low on their priority list:

(2006 4.0 w/ Automatic)
Extreme pinging (detonation) under light acceleration in OD between 2500-3000 RPM range. After that, or under HARD acceleration, it doesn't ping.

Whether uphill, downhill or level, between 90-100 MPH she sounds like she's gonna explode.

You guys mention a "knock sensor", is that on the V6 as well or just the V8?

Spring is coming and I want to make sure my engine survives till then.

Does ANYONE else have this problem?

The manual says NOT to run anything other than 87 octane, but this is rediculous!

Thanks
SOHC

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Post #: 5
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/5/2007 4:18:34 PM   
scrming


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quote:

ORIGINAL: MdnytRider

In the January issue of 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords, they tried increasing the octane in a V6 from 87 to 91 and lost 3 hp (though they attributed this to variables between dyno runs). Their conclusion was that there is no premium fuel strategy on the V6, so any increase in octane without changing the tune seems like wasted money.


Interesting...  we never watched the stock tune... wonder if it's some stuff carried over from the GT tune into the V6 tune (aftermarket tune)... because we definitely seen the computer trying to add more timing.... hmmmmm...


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Post #: 6
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/8/2007 1:18:14 PM   
YellowBones

 

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Joined: 1/21/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: fazm

only way to do it is with a tuner, sorry.

no distributor to manually adjust


I asked my garage today. They told me, they can (and they will). But I need some settings for the timing point, because they are not sure, where to go and if others setting should be done either. After all, I don`t want to burn my pony...
Any idea?


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Post #: 7
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/8/2007 1:37:00 PM   
Derf00

 

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I wouldn't let anyone else beside ford mess with the car at this time. A shop that needs information from you on your car is not going to fix anything. They're going to hose it and leave you with a voided warranty if something goes wrong.

Hand held tuners have done tons for the throttle by wire systems in the new stangs. $400 now vs who knows what if you let someone mess with your car that doesn't know what they're doing.

(in reply to YellowBones)
Post #: 8
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/8/2007 2:31:55 PM   
fazm


Posts: 3228
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From: arizona
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quote:

ORIGINAL: YellowBones

quote:

ORIGINAL: fazm

only way to do it is with a tuner, sorry.

no distributor to manually adjust


I asked my garage today. They told me, they can (and they will). But I need some settings for the timing point, because they are not sure, where to go and if others setting should be done either. After all, I don`t want to burn my pony...
Any idea?

im sorry, but your garage is wrong.  you can not adjust timing without a tuner to reprogram the computer (or ford can do it as well without a tuner)


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2005 v6 mustang with gt500 power :)

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Post #: 9
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/10/2007 4:07:07 AM   
YellowBones

 

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Thanks a lot. I think you prevent me from making a mistake...

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Post #: 10
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/10/2007 10:58:09 AM   
goldenglory18

 

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Joined: 6/27/2006
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quote:

The manual says NOT to run anything other than 87 octane, but this is rediculous!


can anyone confirm that running anything else besides 87 WITHOUT A TUNE is harmful to the system?

ive been running 91 here in AZ for the last 6 months!

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Post #: 11
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/11/2007 4:23:03 PM   
YellowBones

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: goldenglory18

quote:

The manual says NOT to run anything other than 87 octane, but this is rediculous!


can anyone confirm that running anything else besides 87 WITHOUT A TUNE is harmful to the system?

ive been running 91 here in AZ for the last 6 months!


Living in germany, I`m running 91 octane fuel since 12.000 mls (there are only 91 or 95 available). No problems. I think, only gas with lower octane than considered is harmful to the engine.

(in reply to goldenglory18)
Post #: 12
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/12/2007 10:05:55 AM   
SOHCman


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Hey guys,

Visited the dealer again on Saturday.

We went for a test drive and the new mechanic pulled the intake ducting off and cleaned out the throttle body (?)


Thumbnail Image


He said the PCV was "gummed" up as well and suggested they start using a better grade of oil in my pony.

He put the tuner on the computer and said the MAF was out of spec. Should be 1.x to 2.x volts, but it was 3.2 volts.


Thumbnail Image


Anybody have any trouble with MAF sensors?

If it is not covered under warranty, are there any aftermarket ones for improved performance / mileage?

Seems to run a little better after cleaning...


Thumbnail Image


What do ya think Wolfey?

Thanks

SOHC

Attachment (3)

< Message edited by SOHCman -- 3/12/2007 10:08:04 AM >


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RPM Club: http://www.RoaminPonies.com

My Stang: http://SOHCman.gotstang.com
2006 Mustang Coupe: 100,000+ miles

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Post #: 13
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/12/2007 12:01:49 PM   
wolfey2k

 

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Wait, they found the MAF sensor bad and didn't replace it under warranty?
Did the mech' just clean it?
Did the pinging issue go away?

I hate the fact that Ford allows so much oil mist to get up and through the PCV valve!
Had to take my truck's 3.8 intake off once and talk about a coated gooey mess! Geesh!

I don't like the idea of so much oil mist collecting inside my intake manifold much less the runners and I just get nightmares thinking about the caked build up on the back of the valves over time.
What are they thinking?

There should be an oil catch gizmo in between the PCV and intake IMO. Heck I might make one and put it in there myself. end/rant

Okay, well I am not sure why at 37K miles they didn't do everything needed under warranty.
My drive train is covered up through 100K miles on my 07. That means FREE repairs until I pass 100K.

There are aftermarket MAF's for sale I am sure but I don't know who has them as I haven't the need to look yet. Sorry.

Anyway, did your pinging issue go away?

Wolfey2k


_____________________________

07 Vista Blue Pony
Upgrades / Mods In Order:
Dynamat Snd Prfng
True Dual Exhaust X W/Flowmasters
GT Rear Bmpr Cvr
C&L CAI W/Helix TB Spacer
B a m a Chips Custom Tune
TLok
JBA Wires

(in reply to SOHCman)
Post #: 14
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/12/2007 12:54:03 PM   
SOHCman


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From: Green Mt State
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Nope, ping is still there.

Just moved up to 90-95 instead of 85-90MPH.

Seems to run smoother.

Yes, he just cleaned it and the PCV.

Where exactly is the oil coming from? I didn't see it until everything was clean and shiny again.

If I need to clean it out regularly, I think I could handle that.

The MAF however should be covered (dealer was "checking") I have the TOTALCARE coverage, and it seems everything is covered.

The saga continues.

Oh and people, if you have any problems with your car while under warranty that the dealer CAN'T find, make sure it shows up on one of your work orders! That way it is documented that you had a complaint (regardless of outcome). Noticed my "pinging" problem, since day one did not show up on my earliest work orders... Cover your butts folks!

My "new" mechanic seems to know more about cars and aftermarket parts. My salesman (who also owns a V6) and I picked his brain about parts, exhaust (he suggests a crossover) and no CAI system that can suck water in from outside as it damages/clogs the filter (or road spray from the car in front of you as you tailgate).



SOHC

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President: Roamin'''' Ponies Mustang Club
RPM Club: http://www.RoaminPonies.com

My Stang: http://SOHCman.gotstang.com
2006 Mustang Coupe: 100,000+ miles

(in reply to wolfey2k)
Post #: 15
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/12/2007 1:13:12 PM   
wolfey2k

 

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You need to get the dealer to replace the MAF under warranty and force them to address and completely handle the pinging issue. Pinging is the arch enemy of piston engines and damage IS being done as you drive!

The oil buildup comes from oil mist from under the valve cover where the PCV valve is located. There are supposed to be baffles in there to help prevent this but they usually end up inneffective to the degree they still allow mist to be sucked into the engine via the intake. I can't believe how much buildup there already is in my intake plenum. I know this because I added a TB spacer when I installed my new C and L CAI system.

As for the water mist issue with CAI systems. This is not a problem. Some water mist is good for the engine inducement and octane wise. Ever notice how much better an engine runs when the humidity is real high or during and right after a rain storm? Water won't hurt your engine unless it's sucked in by the gallon. So don't let that worry you. Anyone says otherwise is paranoid or doesn't know wtf they are talking about IMO.

That sucks you haven't gotten a resolution to your pinging issue. It should have been completely addressed and corrected before your car left the shop. No opinions, no half arsed BS reasons for it continuing should have been accepted. Did they reset your ECU?

What I would suggest doing at this point is, reset the ECU yourself.
Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, then re-connect and fire her up.
That will completely reset the ECU and give the adapative a chance to adjust things up to original spec' per it's programming. Perhaps your pinging issue will dissapear. I think there is a good chance that it will if all sensors are working correctly.

Another thing to put your ear to is to see if only one or a couple or a few cylinders or all the cylinders are pinging at the same time. If so then it's a timing / a/f mix issue. The symptom you discribe now leads me to believe there is too much advance timing at highway speeds. Again, resetting the ECU may handle this and it will go away.

After you reset it, give the car at least 5 cold start cycles to tweak itself back up. You should however notice a difference on the first drive. If that MAF sensor is off by as much as half a volt, I'd demand it be replaced,,for free now, not later. I don't get how the mech' can say, duh oh it might be covered under warranty then not find out right away and replace the darn thing before you picked it up.
The mech's job is not to throw in the towel and say "duh on, well it's just the nature of the beast and your problem may be covered under warranty" then leave you in the dark on the whole friggin issue. Geesh! Is the guy snorting carb cleaner? Cars go in to be repaired, not have their problems or symptoms perpetuated and messaged with BS beurocratic excuses!

Car goes in to have X issue resloved, car's issue comes out with x issue RESOLVED,,,,period! or they suck! IMHO of course ;-)

_____________________________

07 Vista Blue Pony
Upgrades / Mods In Order:
Dynamat Snd Prfng
True Dual Exhaust X W/Flowmasters
GT Rear Bmpr Cvr
C&L CAI W/Helix TB Spacer
B a m a Chips Custom Tune
TLok
JBA Wires

(in reply to SOHCman)
Post #: 16
RE: Question on ignition timing - 3/12/2007 4:52:03 PM   
SOHCman


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From: Green Mt State
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"Clunk" (waiting on TSB)  Sorry, couldn't resist.

I know, haven't heard from him yet. Emailed him, nothing. I'll call when I leave work.

Very aggravating.

Don't know if I wanna reflash right now, don't know if he tweaked anything else while he was toying with the computer.

Looks like my rev limiter is not on anymore as it should not have hit 115 (I still had plenty of pedal) usually caps it at 111.

I may still try to find some taller gears for highway driving.

If I can get 2.75 like my old Cougar I can turn 85 at under 2200RPM.

That would save 3-5 MPG easy.

The V6 is torquey enough... I can alway change the gears back after the experiment if it really doesn't run right. Or go to 17" rims with no reprogramming.

Maybe someday after all the other stuff is done.



SOHC

_____________________________

President: Roamin'''' Ponies Mustang Club
RPM Club: http://www.RoaminPonies.com

My Stang: http://SOHCman.gotstang.com
2006 Mustang Coupe: 100,000+ miles

(in reply to wolfey2k)
Post #: 17
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