1994 Mercury Capri Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Ignition Timing

  1. Set automatic transmission lever to Park position, or manual transmission lever to Neutral position. Disconnect and plug hoses attached to diaphragm on distributor. Connect tachometer and timing light. Turn off all electrical loads.
  2. Warm engine to operating temperature. Ensure idle speed is set to specification. See IDLE SPEED & MIXTURE. Determine initial timing. See IGNITION TIMING table. If base timing is not correct, loosen distributor mounting bolts. Rotate distributor until marks align. Tighten bolts to 14-18 ft. lbs. (19-25 N.m).
    IGNITION TIMING

    Application Auto. Trans. Man. Trans.
    Non-Turbo 1-3 @ 800-900 1-3 @ 800-900
    Turbo 11-13 @ 800-900 11-13 @ 800-900
  3. Increase engine RPM while observing timing marks. Verify ignition timing advances. See CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. For turbo models, go to step 5). For non-turbo models, continue with next step.
    CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE SPECIFICATIONS

    Application Degrees BTDC
    Non-Turbo
    1500 RPM 0
    3000 RPM 21
    5000 RPM 25
    Turbo
    1200 RPM 0
    3500 RPM 12
    5500 RPM 18
  4. On non-turbo models, apply 16 in. Hg vacuum to chamber "A". See Fig 1 . Verify timing advances by 26-30 degrees. Remove vacuum source from chamber "A". Apply 8 in. Hg vacuum to chamber "B" while observing timing. Verify timing advances by 3-7 degrees. Stop engine. Remove test equipment.
    Fig 1: Identifying Vacuum Chamber Connections (Non-Turbo)
    G92E25209Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. On turbo models, apply 20 in. Hg vacuum to advance diaphragm. Verify timing advances by 13-17 degrees. Disconnect vacuum source. Apply 8 psi (0.6 kg/cm2 ) pressure to advance diaphragm. Verify timing retards by 3-7 degrees. Stop engine. Remove test equipment.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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