7.4 L timing degree

[ten]

I have a 1996 K-2500 chevy with a 7.4 L engine and I am trying to find what degree the timing should be set at. Any help would be appreciated. Glenn

[stumpuller454]

Did you do something that needs it to be re-timed? cause its computer controlled, i have a service manual for a 98 so same thing, i`ll read it tonight and see if there is any info...i gotta go to work right now!

[leolkfrm]

Welcome to the forum
Is the spec sticker still on the radiator support or the air cleaner bowl? If so check it for instructions. Starting in 96 the computer controls the spark completely. There are steps to be taken using a scan tool after 96 should you remove the distributer which does nothing more than act as a switch!
Hope this clarifies it

[ten]

The engine runs fine in park. Idle and acc. are good no hesitation or miss. When I take off in drive it starts to sound like a desiel. If I put it in nutual it will rev up fine. I thought it could be the timing. glenn

[leolkfrm]

Did you gett some bad fuel? try a couple of cans of dry gas it won't hurt anything. A scan tool might tell you if the knock sensor is going bad!

[stumpuller454]

probly not the timming then, easiest to try some good fuel as stated above ^ might be the manifold pressure sensor, any Check engine lights? did you scan it anyways?

[ten]

No check engine light, and I use priemum fuel past couple of tanks. no change. The truck was left to me by father-in law. Its a beautiful truck with low milage [60,000] . Its has so many opnions it had a page two on the window sticker. I don't use it much because of the gas. Less than a 1,000 miles in the year I had it. I just want to keep it nice and pass it on to my son. I have a machanicial background a work on my own trucks. I have 4 chevys 3 are work trucks but only one with the 454. I also have a dodge handicap van for my wife. I have the service manuals, but only basic tools. Could it be the anti-knock system? I am thankful for your time and advice. Glenn

[jimbo543]

crank sensor, not adjustable

[leolkfrm]

I think the best course of action is to put it on a good scanner, not a code reader. It might cost a couple of bucks but should give you some insight as to what is happening with the sensors, One might be throwing things off. You might be surprised, I know my 7.4 would eat an o2 sensor bout every 2 yrs and the only sign of problems was a drop in mpg

[03chevy]

if it sounds like a desiel then you need to upgrade your octane if your useing 87 then for about 2 or 3 next tanks use 89. what that is your motor in diff. climates need diff grade of gas.