Tune-Up - v6 Ford Thunderbird IX

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CODE

The engine can be identified by the eighth character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is stamped on a metal plate located on the upper left corner of the dash panel. Plate is visible through left corner of windshield.

VIN ENGINE CODE

TUNE-UP NOTES

Note. When performing tune-up procedures described in this article, the following notes and precautions must be followed.

Due to late changes and corrections, always refer to Engine Tune-Up Decal in engine compartment, before tune-up procedures are attempted. In the event manual specifications and decal specifications are different, always use specifications on Engine Tune-Up Decal.

Before making a compression check or cranking engine with a remote starter switch, disconnect ignition wire at distributor.

Do not remove ignition wires while engine is running. Ignition voltage is extremely high and can cause harmful electrical shock.

When performing tune-up on vehicles equipped with catalytic converters, do not allow or create a condition of engine misfire in more than one cylinder for an extended period of time. Damage to converter may occur due to loading converter with unburned air/fuel mixture.

ENGINE COMPRESSION

Test compression with all spark plugs removed and engine at normal operating temperature. Crank engine through at least 5 compression strokes before recording reading. Maximum variation between cylinders should not exceed 25%.

SPARK PLUGS

SPARK PLUG TYPE

SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION

HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE

Remove spark plug wires from plugs. Remove distributor cap with wires attached. Check resistance of each wire by connecting one ohmmeter lead to cap terminal and the other lead to spark plug end of wire. If resistance is over 5000 ohms per inch, remove wire from cap and retest. If still too high, replace wire.

Note. Whenever a high tension wire is disconnected, the interior of the terminal boot must be coated with silicone grease before reconnection.

FUEL PUMP

Disconnect return line at throttle body and connect hose to container. Connect pressure gauge at diagnostic fitting on throttle body. Disconnect wiring connector at fuel tank and apply 12 volts to pump with jumper wire.

FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE

VALVE CLEARANCE

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

VALVE ARRANGEMENT

1. Right Bank - I-E-I-E-I-E (Front-to-rear).
2. Left Bank - E-I-E-I-E-I (Front-to-rear).

DISTRIBUTOR

All models are equipped with TFI-IV ignition systems and no adjustments are required.

3.8L Firing Order and Timing Marks. Scheme 13

IGNITION TIMING

Note. Timing instrument should be connected to number one spark plug using adapter or snap-on connector. Do not puncture spark plug wire or boot to make connection.

1. Place transmission in "P" (auto. trans.) or Neutral (man. trans.). Turn A/C and heater off. Connect timing light and tachometer to engine. Disconnect single White wire connector near distributor (Black wire connector on some models) and warm engine to normal operating temperature.
2. With engine at timing RPM, check timing. If timing is within 2° of specified timing, do not adjust. If not, loosen distributor hold-down bolt and turn distributor to adjust. Tighten bolt, then recheck timing. Remove test equipment. Reconnect connector wire.

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

IDLE SPEED

Note. Curb idle is controlled by EEC-IV and idle speed control (ISC) motor. If control system is operating properly, these speeds are fixed and cannot be changed by standard adjustments. If operating limit adjustments do not correct curb idle speed, perform appropriate EEC-IV diagnostic procedure.

Curb Idle Speed Check

1. Set parking brake and block wheels. If equipped with automatic parking brake, always place in Reverse when checking curb idle. Make all adjustments with engine at normal operating temperature and all accessories off.
2. After engaging transmission in Drive (or Reverse) and allowing engine to idle for 60 seconds, check idle speed.

IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS

Note. If engine curb idle is too high and throttle lever is not in contact with ISC motor, but held open by throttle stop adjustment screw (TSAS), this screw must be adjusted. This is the only reason for adjusting the TSAS. It is strictly a throttle stop and does not affect idle speed unless it is holding throttle open through misadjustment. Perform the following procedure in the exact sequence.

Retracting ISC Plunger. Scheme 14

Minimum & Maximum ISC Adjustments

1. To adjust TSAS, the ISC motor must be fully retracted. Shut engine off and remove air cleaner. In engine compartment, locate self-test connector and self-test input (STI) connector (both located next to each other on driver's side, behind strut tower on EEC harness).
2. Connect a jumper wire between STI connector and signal return pin on self-test connector. (Scheme 14) Turn ignition key to run position. Do not start engine.
3. The ISC plunger should retract. If not, EEC service is required. Wait until plunger is fully retracted (about 10 seconds). Turn key to "OFF" position. Remove jumper wire.
4. Using pliers, grasp TSAS screw threads and turn screw until it is removed from CFI assembly. Install a new screw. With throttle plates closed, turn new screw in until there is a.005" (.13 mm) gap between screw tip and throttle lever surface which it contacts. Turn screw in an additional 1 1/2 turns. Adjustment is complete.
5. If ISC motor requires replacement, adjust by using the following procedure: Retract ISC plunger as previously described. Remove rubber dust cover from ISC motor tip. Push tip back toward motor to remove any lash.
6. Pass a 7/32" drill bit between ISC motor tip and throttle lever, making sure there is only light contact with both surfaces. If gap is not correct, loosen ISC bracket adjustment screw until proper clearance is attained. Tighten lock screw and replace dust cover.

ALTERNATOR REGULATOR

Motorcraft Solid State Electronic Regulator, calibrated and preset by manufacturer. No adjustment is required or possible on this unit.

All models are equipped with Motorcraft TFI-IV distributor.

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (OHMS)

FUEL SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTION

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

STARTER

Motorcraft positive engagement type.

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

ALTERNATOR

Motorcraft external regulator alternator.

ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS

CAPACITIES

ENGINE OIL & FUEL CAPACITIES

COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITIES

SYSTEM REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES

TRANSMISSION & DIFFERENTIAL CAPACITIES

SERVICE INTERVALS

REPLACEMENT INTERVALS

BELT ADJUSTMENT

BELT ADJUSTMENT (1)