Setting B-3 timing

[ToSloTrk]

I have just swapped my new ported head & FMS cam onto my car but can't seem to get the timing set correctly. I have the car running & it runs very good but I seem to be missing something when I try and set the timing.
Can anyone help me with the proper procedure?????????

This is on a 93 fi Festiva

[Fordverde]

what are the symptoms?? bad idle?? back fire?? Remember that the FMS cam may produce bad idle.

[hawkdoc60]

Disconnect the two vacuum lines to the distributor and plug them. Connect a timing light, run the engine and adjust so that the timing mark on the pulley is on the "T" mark on the timing cover. Accelerate the engine and ensure that the timing mark advances to 13 degrees +/- 2 degrees I believe. Reconnect the vacuum lines to the distributor and it should be good to go.

Is this what you were wanting?

[ToSloTrk]

Fordverde: The idle is fine a bit lumpy but I don't have any problems

hawkdoc60: That,s what I need ,but that's for a carb Festiva I need that for a fi Festiva

I have tried grounding the plug near the brake booster but the only time I can see the timing marks are when I have my timing light set at 60 deg. advanced. I know this can't be right because the car runs fine and has good power but I would like to set the timing properly.

[jglutz]

Try turning the distributor to CW or CCW. If the idle/timing improves with the dist turned to the extreme CW or CCW...the timing belt is off by on tooth. If so...turn the cam sprocket one tooth under the belt in the opposite direction that the dist has been turne to settle the idle out. Be sure to return the dist to a normal position.

This is a very common B3 problem.....I'm not sure what causes it...I just know it exist...something is just not right with the markings on the cam sprocket or head.

[wrestler3025]

I believe the idle is SUPPOSED to be a little lumpy with the FMS cam. I don't have one myself, but someone else here does and made that statement. Someone please speak up if I am incorrect.

[FestYboy]

FMS comp cam has VERY little lope if any at all.

Joe, he's got an EFI engine... changing the distro position while running won't effect the base timing, ecu compensates for it. and i've never had an issue with the cam markings when replacing belts. it's always 12 and 3 o'clock and make sure the belt is tight on the exhaust side so that the tentioner takes up the proper slack.