Question about SPOUT not previously answered

[Alex Perry]

I have a question about the difference in the two SPOUT connectors underhood. The one that everyone refers to when trying to 'cheat' an emissions test is the one by the EEC's Self-Test harness, connector number C1034. This supposedly sets the timing at a fixed 10° BTDC. However, the only one that shows up in any of the diagrams is connector C1035, the one below the coil pack. In all of the diagrams I've seen, C1035 goes from the PCM to a spliced conncetion, then to a VIP Data Link Connector (whatever that is).

What is the actual function of the two SPOUT plugs? The one nearest the coil pack has been said to be both useless, and used for adjusting for lower octane fuel.

 

[SHOZ123]

I think the one by the coil pack is a 2* retard and the one by the PCM sets it to 10* BTDC.

 

[projectSHO89]

I think the one by the coil pack is a 2* retard and the one by the PCM sets it to 10* BTDC.

Pretty darn close.

Actually it's 3 degrees and a 10 degree BTDC default.

Steve

 

[TG]

I have a question about the difference in the two SPOUT connectors underhood. The one that everyone refers to when trying to 'cheat' an emissions test is the one by the EEC's Self-Test harness, connector number C1034. This supposedly sets the timing at a fixed 10° BTDC. However, the only one that shows up in any of the diagrams is connector C1035, the one below the coil pack. In all of the diagrams I've seen, C1035 goes from the PCM to a spliced conncetion, then to a VIP Data Link Connector (whatever that is).

What is the actual function of the two SPOUT plugs? The one nearest the coil pack has been said to be both useless, and used for adjusting for lower octane fuel.

As far as lower octane fuel, my Thunderbird SC had pretty much the same ignition. When the price of premium jumped, guys would pull the connector to lock the timing down at 10° and then run regular. Don't think it was designed for that but it helped reduce the pinging.

 

[Rockledge]

FWIW, the 3-degree ignition retard connector (more commonly known as an "Octane Adjust Shorting Switch/Bar", at least on other Fords) really doesn't have anything to do with the SPOUT circuit. Pulling out the switch/bar sends a signal directly to the PCM which in turn retards ignition timing 3 degrees.

 

[Rockledge]

As far as lower octane fuel, my Thunderbird SC had pretty much the same ignition. When the price of premium jumped, guys would pull the connector to lock the timing down at 10° and then run regular. Don't think it was designed for that but it helped reduce the pinging.

The SHO and SC have the exact same ignition, in fact.

Are you sure the guys were pulling the SPOUT connector? That would have resulted in terrible performance. See my post above.