To check initial timing:
1. Connect a timing light
2. Disconnect the in-line SPOUT connector near the TFI module
3. Check initial timing using a timing light. It should be within 3 degrees of the base timing value on the VECI decal. If base timing is specified as 10 degrees BTDC, 7 to 13 is ok.
4. If not, adjust the timing of the TFI-IV distributor:
a. loosen distributor mounting bolts.
b. rotate the distributor to correct timing.
c. tighten bolts.

TFI - Thick film Ignition is a module mounted on the distributor.
The SPOUT is a little gray plug in the wiring near the distributor.

I hope this helps.

D

------------------
mike r
racing is real
everything else is just a game.
81 capri-302-7.33 @92mph 1/8
1.54 60 ft.

The base timing is only for starting the engine. After it starts the computer takes over and adjusts the timing. If you've never moved the distributor, it's probably ok. (within that +/- 3 degrees)

White smoke could be coolant or it could be transmission fluid. Are you losing antifreeze with no visible leaks?

Climb under and check your modulator valve. Pull the vacuum line off and look for tranny fluid. You may be able to see where the line connects up top and check there. I had to replace mine in my '93 Explorer last year.

Can you tell if the backfire is in the intake or the exhaust? That sounds more like a bad valve, lifter, rocker, etc. DO all the cylinders have 150 psig compression? There isn't one or two that are more than 10% lower than the rest?

Are you sure it's a backfire? It only occurs at high RPM's or under any heavy throttle load? It's not just breaking up at higher rpm's? Does it idle ok?

Start with all the simple things first. Check your cap, rotor, and plug wires for any kind of spark cross-over. Check to make sure you don't have a leaky injector. Check to make sure you don't have any vacuum leaks. You may want to give the EGR system a good once-over too.

If everything else checks out, you may be looking at a sticking lifter.

Does the MIL (Check Engine Light) come on?

Double/triple check your firing order.

What made you change the EGO sensors and the EGR?

Look for vacuum leaks. Is it an auto trans? Check the vacuum modulator valve. White smoke could be A/T fluid or coolant. What kind of odor does the white smoke have? Does it smell like burning oil?

Do you have to add coolant often?

Look for oil in your intake manifold. The idle air control valve (IACV) could be clogged/stuck causing poor idle.

Initial base timing should be around 10 degrees BTDC. Check it with the SPOUT plug out. Timing will vary once the computer takes control of it.

Check for leaky injectors. That is done with a fuel pressure guage connected to the Shrader valve on the fuel rail. Fuel pressure should be around 37 psig and it should hold after the engine is turned off. If it doesn't hold there is a leak somewhere - possibly one or more injectors.