What is the in line Spout Connector referred to for setting ignition timing?

2.9liter engine?
there are 2 systems in the book, FSM.
DIS (there is no timing at all , it's fixed by the ECU) end story.

and then.
TFI-IV.
now the 1st quote

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
   
2. Disconnect the pin-in-line connector (SPOUT connector) near the TFI module.
   
3. Start the engine and measure the voltage, at idle, from the SPOUT connector to the distributor base. The reading should equal battery voltage.
   
4. If the result is okay, the problem lies within the EEC-IV system.
   
5. If the result was not satisfactory, separate the wiring harness connector from the ignition module. Check for damage, corrosion or dirt. Service as necessary.
   
6. Measure the resistance between terminal No. 5 and the pin-in-line connector. This test is done at the ignition module connector only. The reading should be less than 5 ohms.
   
7. If the reading is okay, replace the TFI module.
   
8. If the result was not satisfactory, service the wiring between the pin in-line connector and the TFI connector.
   

if the above fails, the ECU can not control spark. timing.

then
underhood VECI label is specific to YOUR truck and should be used if it differs from another source
now the next quote 2

This procedure should not be used as a periodic maintenance adjustment. Timing should only be set after the distributor has been disturbed (removed and re-installed) in some way. If problems are encountered setting the initial timing with this procedure and no mechanical causes are found, follow the spark timing advance check procedure found later in this section.
Do not change the ignition timing by the use of a different octane rod without having the proper authority to do so. Federal emission requirements will be affected.

1. Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the front of the engine.
   
2. Clean off the timing marks so that you can see them.
   
3. Mark the timing marks with a piece of chalk or with paint. Color the mark on the scale that will indicate the correct timing when it is aligned with the mark on the pulley or the pointer. It is also helpful to mark the notch in the pulley or the tip of the pointer with a small dab of color.
   
4. Start the engine and allow it to run until it reaches normal operating temperature.
   

CAUTION NEVER run an engine in a garage or building without proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide will quickly enter the body, excluding oxygen from the blood stream. This condition will cause dizziness, sleepiness and eventually death.

1. Once normal operating temperature has been reached, shut the engine OFF.
   
2. Firmly apply the parking brake and block the drive wheels. Place the transmission in P(A/T) or NEUTRAL(M/T, as applicable).
   
3. Make sure heater and A/C, along with all other accessories are in the OFF position.
   
4. Connect an inductive timing light, such as the Rotunda 059-00006 or equivalent, to the No. 1 spark plug wire, according the tool manufacturer's instructions.
   
5. Connect a tachometer to the ignition coil connection using an alligator clip. This can be done by inserting the alligator clip into the back of the connector, onto the dark green/yellow dotted wire.
   

DO NOT allow the alligator clip to accidentally ground to a metal surface while attached to the coil connector as that could permanently damage the ignition coil.

1. Disconnect the single wire in-line SPOUT connector which connects the control computer (usually terminal 36) to the ignition control module. This will prevent the electronic ignition from advancing the timing during the set procedure.
   
2. Using a suitable socket or wrench, loosen the distributor hold-down bolt slightly at this time, BUT DO NOT ALLOW THE DISTRIBUTOR TO MOVE or timing will have to be set regardless of the current conditions.
   

A remote starter must NOT be used to start the vehicle when setting the initial ignition timing. Disconnecting the start wire at the starter relay will cause the ignition control module to revert to Start Mode timing after the vehicle is started. Reconnecting the start wire after the vehicle is running WILL NOT correct the timing.

1. Start the engine (using the ignition key and NOT a remote starter to assure timing will be set correctly) and allow the engine to return to normal operating temperature.
   
2. With the engine running at the specified rpm, check the initial timing. If adjustments must be made, rotate the distributor while watching the timing marks. Once proper adjustment has been reached, make sure the distributor is not disturbed until the hold-down bolt can be secured.
   
3. Reconnect the single wire in-line SPOUT connector and check the timing to verify that the distributor is now advancing beyond the initial setting.
   
4. Shut the engine OFF and tighten the distributor bolt while CAREFULLY holding the distributor from turning. If the distributor moves, you will have to start the engine and reset the timing.
   
5. Restart the engine and repeat the procedure to check the timing and verify that it did not change
   
6. Shut the engine OFF, then disconnect the tachometer and timing light.
   

and last one more quote "MARKS"
Timing marks consisting of O marks or scales can be found on the rim of the crankshaft pulley and the timing cover. The mark(s) on the pulley correspond(s) to the position of the piston in the number 1 cylinder. A stroboscopic (dynamic) timing light is used, which is hooked into the circuit of the No. 1 cylinder spark plug. Every time the spark plug fires, the timing light flashes. By aiming the timing light at the timing marks while the engine is running, the exact position of the piston within the cylinder can be easily read since the stroboscopic flash makes the pulley appear to be standing still. Proper timing is indicated when the mark and scale are in proper alignment.

and last (open hood, look up, behold the USA fed EPA sticker
clearly stating the timing.
all 89s to present day.

If im not mistaken, there should be a single wire spout connector on the fire wall that controls the E.S.T. Unplug that then start the motor and set the timing with a light as usual to the factory spec. Then shut it off and plug connector back in.Usual a peach/orange colored wire with a black or brown tracer but does not necessarily have to be that color. Will have a single weatherpak connector if it uses this system. Hope this helps

10 DegreesBefore top dead center*Base timing specification*Set at warm idle speed (electronically controlled - not adjustable)*Disconnect single wire spout connector (yellow/light green) or remove shorting bar on double wire spout connector at ignition module (terminal #5)*All accessories off*Transmission in neutral (parking brake engaged)

10 Degrees before top dead center,

*Base timing specification
*Set at warm idle speed (electronically controlled -
not adjustable)
*Disconnect single wire spout connector (yellow/light
green) or remove shorting bar on double wire spout
connector at ignition module (terminal #5)
*All accessories off
Automatic in PARK or Manual in NEUTRAL and parking brake set.

The SPOUT connector, if disconnected, would prevent the spark from advancing. So, you would have less spark knock if disconnected. You only disconnect it when you are running a test for codes.
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Disconnect the single wire in-line SPOUT connector or remove the shorting bar from the double wire SPOUT connector. (In engine comartment)
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The internal circuitry of the ICM will have one of two possible arrangements, push start or computer controlled dwell (CCD). The push start system allows for increased dwell, or coil ON time, when starting the engine. The ICM on this system determines when to turn the coil ON based upon engine rpm information. The coil is then fired, or turned OFF, whenever a rising edge of a SPOUT signal is encountered (Figure 5 ). The SPOUT signal, short for SPark OUTput, is a digital signal generated by the PCM providing spark angle information to the ICM. The SPOUT signal on the push start system controls only the firing of the coil. The falling edge of the SPOUT signal is ignored. The CCD system, however, does use both edges of the SPOUT signal (Figure 6 ). The SPOUT signal for the CCD system is same as in the push start except that the falling edge is now generated to control the time at which the coil is turned ON. The coil ON time, or dwell, for this system is thus entirely controlled by the SPOUT signal. The ICM does not internally determine when to turn the coil ON as it does on the push start system. It responds directly to the SPOUT signal it receives.
In the case that the SPOUT signal line opens from the PCM, the ICM will use the PIP signal to fire the coil. This results in a fixed spark angle of and fixed dwell.
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With the SPOUT jumper removed the timing should be 10BTDC, 15BTDC is close - maybe you should check it again to be sure you aren't misreading the timing mark? If you still think the timing isn't right, you can compare the SPOUT signal to the PIP (Pre Ingnition Pickup) signal which is always 10 BTDC and should match the SPOUT when the jumper is removed. Other than that, 23 BTDC is about normal so I think if it is not running optimally, your problem lies elsewhere, especially since there no DTCs related to the ignition system. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions at: [email protected]. Hope that helps.

Z. Harris
ASE Certified Master Technician

The "Inline Spout Connector" is used to control the engine timing by dis-connecting the timing control from the timing control unit, and you must remove the inline spout connector before you can change or set the ignition timing, and if the inline spout connector is missing, then the engine timing will not be controlled by the dura-spark control unit, the check engine light should be on, and the engine will perform poorly. Usually it is located out by the distributor or over by the dura spark control unit.

It is normally a small squared looking grey plastic thing that should be in the end of a wire connector, and that is the only thing that will on the end of that wire connector, and it is basically just a jumper plug. Here is a similar image of what you should be looking for.

Distributorless Ignition is not adjustable However the Distributor Ignition System is
1 Place Transmission in Park on Manual (Neutral and set Park Brake
2 Ensure all accessories are off AC ,Heater, Radio, ETC...
3Connect an inductive timming light and Tach to the Engine according to manufactures instructions
4 disconnect the single wire inline spout connector or the shorting bar from the double wire spout connector( should be located near hood hinge on fenderwell drivers side small Gray plug with pc of Tape around it ) or near distributor
5 using a pc of yellow chalk laying flat onto the Crankshaft harmonic balancer and marking the entire timing marks area this will make it easier to see the correct timing marks
6 Start engine and bring to normal operating temp.
7 Check Idle speed and adjust if needed this should be non adjustable on your vehicle
8 Check initial timing by aiming the timing light at the marks and pointer.see emissions label under hood for exact timing Specs.
9 if the marks don't line up shut down engine
10 loosen the hold-down bolt on the distributor base but not so much that the distributor turns when assistant restarts the engine
11 restart engine
12 have assistant aim timing light at marks and pointer
13 while holding the distributor Base Shaft with the proper sized wrench at the base or insulated channelocks loosen the hold down bolt and advance or ****** the distributor until the correct timing marks line up.hold in that position while assistant shuts engine off
(NOTE) when retightening the distributor bolt it can have the tendancy to turn the distributor
14 retighten the distributor bolt while holding the shaft firmly to prevent spinning
15have assistant restart engine
16 Verify that the timing marks still line up with pointer if non alignment , readjust using steps 9 thru14 again
17 once it is set correctly and bolt is tight on distributor base shut down engine. Reconnect in-line Spout Connector or reinstall inline spout shorting bar and assure that timing is advancing beyond initial settings by starting the engine and aiming at the timing marks when engine is slightly reved the timing should advance slightly 2-4 degrees maybe more depending on mileage
18 if timing can't be achieved because distriburor was removed you must
1 unhook coil wire
2 remove the #1 Sparkplug verify that the #1 piston is at the top of the compression stroke (must be on top compression stroke) if it isnt have assistant crank engine slightly to get close with coil wire unplugged. DO NOT turn the crankshaft backwards at any time to get piston into position 3 once piston is in position remove the battery cables, remove the distributor cap with wires intact and verify that the rotor cap is at center of the #1 point in the distributor cap if it isn't
4 loosen & remove the distributor bolt
5 lift the distributor only slightly enough to disengage the gear on the shaft from the camshaft gear (NOTE) when letting it back down into the engine it will spin the rotor off of the #1 position so it must be turned far enough to compensate for this turning when it is reinstalled
6 seat the distributor shaft in the hole and reinstall the retainer bolt and tighten then use the steps above to fine tune the timing

The SPOUT connector is used to set the base ignition timing. You unplug the spout, set the base timing to specs, then plug it in. It doesn't affect the plugs or wires.

on the fire wall pass side or under the heater box along the carpet on the pass side there is a single wire connector you disconnect that.. is the spout timing connector .. that wil put the engine at base timing .. use timing light to see timing and turn the distributor after its loostened if nescessary to adjust it then retughten and turn off engine then reconnect the spout connector you disconnected earlier.. restart and it will be all set the code generated during the disconnection of the spout will not keep the engine light on once its been reconnected and engine restarted....