| Here are some Misc. Tech. Specs for other rookies. I have documented these from my weekends of keeping the 390 running. |
| Vacuum tests - 18 HG |
| Quick throttle romp & it drops to 5 hg climbs to 23 hg and returns to 18 - Looks good. |
| Performing compression check on each cylinder is pretty easy to do even in the extremely tight confines of a big block engine bay. It's the best way to assess if the motor is tired, and where it's weakness lie. Here are the results on my 390 CID engine. I think it scored pretty well all things considered. I would like to perform a leak down test but think it is currently beyond my abilities |
| This is really a great test !!!! Very simple and it seems seldom used. |
| Cylinder Compression (psi) 1 - 160 2 - 170 3 - 160 4 - 170 5 - 155 6 - 190 7 - 170 8 - 180 --------------------- Average - 169 |
| It can quickly identify possible issues with rings, valves and alot more. |
| Ford FE 390 big block firing order: 1 5 4 2 6 3 7 8 Starting at # 1 position on distributor. Install wires counter clockwise on distributor when running new plug wires. (left cylinders 1-4 front to rear and right side (drivers) 5-8) |
| Spark plug gap .032 - .036 at 15-20 Ft/lbs torque |
| Timing Spec's: Still learning numerous aspects of this one. |
| Initial Ignition Timing - 6 degrees at 550 RPM idle |
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| - !! Ensure plug wires 7 and 8 DO NOT run parallel to each !! - Reason: Inductive firing can cause the two cylinders to fire simultaneously |