Need Test Prop for 1969 55HP Evinrude

[rdh2059]

Does anyone have the part number of a test prop for a 1969 Evinrude 55hp outboard. Its hard to tank the outboard without a test prop, and keep water in the tank...;-)Thanks,Rick

[OBJ]

Hey Rick....you a wrench? If so, I can get the number tomorrow at the shop and probably a couple places you can check that may have one.

[rdh2059]

I worked as an auto mechanic for a couple years, but then quit and got a real job. As for outboards, I do all my own work and its damned hard to set timing without a test wheel for your particular motor... (quite a splash to anyone standing near the tank too... LOL!Rick

[OBJ]

Still the best way to set timing is on the boat, underway. You will need at least 5k rpm or better at WOT. There is another way....let me find it.EDIT: OK...here ya' go. This was written by Joe Reeves and it works. Disconnect the shift cable cable and leave the gear case in neutral. Set the throttle to WOT and make sure the timing advance stop on the mag plate is against the timing screw....wire the throttle lever all the way open if you have to.(Timing At Cranking Speed 4°)(J. Reeves)The full spark advance can be adjusted without have the engine running at near full throttle as follows. To set the timing on that engine, have the s/plugs out, and have the throttle at full, set that timer base under the flywheel tight against the rubber stop on the end of the full spark timer advance stop screw (wire it against that stop if necessary). Rig a spark tester and have the gap set to 7/16". Hook up the timing light to the #1 plug wire. Crank the engine over and set the spark advance to 4° less than what the engine calls for. I don't know the full spark advance setting your engine calls for, but to pick a figure, say your engine calls for 28°, set the timing at 24°. The reasoning for the 4° difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition componets, the engine gains the extra 4°. If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4° which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage! You don't want that to take place. No need to be concerned about the idle timing as that will take care of itself. The main concern is the full advance setting. Be sure to use your own engines spark advance settings, not the one I picked out of the air here in my notes.If you have any questions....post them here. This should save you several dollars for a test wheel......

[rdh2059]

Followup... I tried the instructions outlined here and you're absolutely right! This actually works! I didn't put much hope in it working, but it sure enough it worked perfectly. No need for a test prop now... Thanks!Rick

[OBJ]

Thanks for posting back Rick! Nice to know when things go right......

[DHPMARINE]

Rick,I'm glad it all worked out for you and the 55HP is up and running.I have to ask about being an auto mech for a few years and getting a real job.What are you doing that is a real job?DHP

[rdh2059]

Computing System Architect... ;-)