ENGINE MECHANICAL
Note. References to Econoline include Cutaway and RV Cutaway. References to F250-550 include Cab & Chassis.
Before performing any on-vehicle adjustments to fuel or ignition systems, ensure engine mechanical condition is okay.
VALVE CLEARANCE
Note. All models are equipped with hydraulic valve lifters, adjustment is not required. If valves are noisy or incorrect clearance is suspected, worn components are indicated. Check collapsed valve lifter clearance. See appropriate article in ENGINES.
Except Villager
Manufacturer does not recommend checking timing as false readings are common and timing is not adjustable. Timing should be 8-12 degrees and is for reference purposes only.
Villager
- Ensure engine is at operating temperature, all accessories are off, and transmission is in Park or Neutral. Set parking brake. Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000-3000 RPM 2 or 3 times and allow engine to return to idle. Turn engine off and disconnect Throttle Position (TP) sensor connector.
- Start engine and raise engine speed to 2000-3000 RPM 2 or 3 times and allow engine to return to idle. Ensure idle speed is between 700-800 RPM with transmission in Park or Neutral.
- Connect timing light to No. 1 spark plug wire and battery as necessary. Check base ignition timing with TP sensor disconnected. Base ignition timing should be 13-17 degrees before TDC. If timing is not as specified, loosen distributor hold-down bolt. Adjust timing as necessary. Turn ignition off and reconnect TP sensor.
DIESEL ENGINES
Injector timing is controlled through Injector Driver Module (IDM) interface with Powertrain Control Module (PCM). PCM receives signals from Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor. Adjustment is not possible. If system is not operating properly, complete a thorough basic inspection and self-test to confirm correct operation of sub-system contribution to injector timing. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - EEC-V - DIESEL article.
Idle speed is controlled by PCM and is not adjustable. If engine idle concerns are present, check PCM for DTCs. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no DTCs are present, perform symptom tests in appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
| Application | RPM | |
|---|---|---|
| Blackwood & Navigator | 690-710 | |
| E150 | ||
| 4.2L | 750-850 | |
| 4.6L | 680-830 | |
| 5.4L | 750 | |
| E250-350 | ||
| 5.4L A/T (4R70W) | 720 | |
| 5.4L A/T (4R100) | 630-700 | |
| 5.4L NGV | 715-850 | |
| E350-450 | ||
| 6.8L | 600-900 | |
| 7.3L | (2) | |
| Escape | ||
| 2.0L | 700-800 | |
| 3.0L | 730-750 | |
| Excursion | ||
| 5.4L | 650-760 | |
| 6.8L | 800-950 | |
| 7.3L | (2) | |
| Expedition | ||
| 4.6L | 680-830 | |
| 5.4L | 700-760 | |
| Explorer & Mountaineer | ||
| 4.0L SOHC | 750 | |
| 4.6L | 890 | |
| Explorer Sport & Explorer Sport Trac | ||
| 4.0L SOHC (Gasoline) | 760-880 | |
| 4.0L SOHC (Flex-Fuel) | 800-900 | |
| F150 | ||
| 4.2L | 750-850 | |
| 4.6L | 680-830 | |
| 5.4L A/T (4R70W) | 720 | |
| 5.4L A/T (4R100) | 700-760 | |
| 5.4L SC Lightning | 700 | |
| 5.4L NGV | 715-850 | |
| F250-550 | ||
| 5.4L | 630-700 | |
| 6.8L | 600-900 | |
| 7.3L | (2) | |
| Ranger | ||
| 2.3L | 800-950 | |
| 3.0L A/T & Flex-Fuel | 880-920 | |
| 3.0L M/T | 800-830 | |
| 4.0L | 800-1000 | |
| Windstar | 700-730 | |
| (1) Idle speed is not adjustable. (2) See DIESEL ENGINES . | ||
| (1) | Idle speed is not adjustable. |
| (2) | See DIESEL ENGINES . |
IDLE RPM SPECIFICATION (1)
- Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). Start engine and allow to idle. Using scan tool, access ECT and RPM PIDS from PID/DATA MONITOR & RECORD menu.
- Loosen cold idle adjustment nut and turn cold idle adjustment screw to align fast idle cam cold mark with cam follower lever roller while ECT PID reads 66-86°F (20-30°C). Tighten cold idle adjustment nut.
- Loosen base idle adjustment nut and turn base idle adjustment screw to adjust idle speed while ECT PID reads 167-185°F (75-85°C) and RPM PID reads 650-750 RPM. Tighten base idle adjustment nut.
- Turn air conditioning onto MAX and place blower switch on HI. Ensure idle speed exceeds 800 RPM.
Idle speed adjustment is controlled through Injector Driver Module (IDM) interface with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and no adjustment is possible. If system is not operating properly, complete a thorough basic inspection and self-test to confirm correct operation of sub-system contribution to injector timing. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - EEC-V - DIESEL article.
Throttle Position (TP) sensor on gasoline engines is not adjustable. If TP sensor servicing is required, see appropriate REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION article.
Connect scan tool to DLC. Turn ignition on. Using scan tool, enter correct year, make, and model. Using DVOM, measure TP sensor voltage with throttle valve completely closed. Loosen TP sensor screws. Adjust TP sensor so voltage is 0.3-0.7 volt. Tighten TP sensor screws. Using scan tool, ensure IDLE SW PID reads ON. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition off. Turn ignition on for 5 seconds and then off for 5 seconds. Repeat 20 times.
Note. Accelerator Pedal (AP) sensor on diesel engines is not adjustable. If AP sensor servicing is required, see REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION - ECONOLINE, EXCURSION & F250-550 PICKUP -DIESEL article.
See also:
• DIESEL ENGINES