bad timing!?!

[6or9]

So my truck was running poorly, so i set the timing and it completely shut down. So I figured out the plug had to be pulled so I pulled the plug,set the timing at tdc and plugged her in and bam!!!
Shes running great, problem is I have to pass smog now so I have to get catalytic converters for it which is a pain in my neck what else should I do?

 

[GentleRF]

When setting the timing, there is a plug you have to pull in a socket in the wiring harness on the passenger side. It's the Spout plug. Then and only then on warm (read operating temperature) engine, set the timing to 10* before top dead center. Shut the engine down and put the Spout plug back in. What that plug does, when removed, is tell the computers (ECM or engine control module) to not adjust the engine timing.

I hope this helps,

 

[6or9]

Thats basically what i did the first time and let me tell ya.....as soon as i revved it a lil and it heated up a lil it choked up got real rich real quick and died out.... anything i missed?

 

[6or9]

I really appreciate the help, any and all provided that is.

 

[RonD]

What engine is in the '90 Ranger?

This is a good read about the Ford TFI ignition system
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.html

You mentioned getting cat converters.
Clogged exhaust system will cause problems when revving up engine.
Vacuum meter can be used to test for clogged exhaust, or you can drop the exhaust pipe and rev engine to see if problem is gone

You can get used cats from salvage yards, they work fine but may only last you 10 years instead of 25 years.