Timing problem 85hp evinrude

[emc81navy]

1978 Evinrude 85hp Model # 8589C Serial # J0005480Just bought this used boat. Motor history unknown but the power packs and ignition coils look fairly new. Spark plugs are in excellent condition. Rebuilt carbs and replaced fuel pump. Hooked Timing light to #1 spark plug and timing is 180 degrees out. I am a newby at outboard motors so is this normal?Motor will not start. It will back fire when the choke is ON. All wiring looks normal and in accordance with the manual. Can wires be swapped around somewhere to get the timing back t o normal.

[Hooty]

That's real hard to do on a 2 cycle engine 'cause it fires every time the piston comes to the top. Bring nr. 1 piston (top starboard) to TDC and see where the timing pointer is pointing on the flywheel. Shouild be pointing about (0*) advance. c/6Hooty

[Joe Reeves]

In addition to Hooty's reply, the only way those engines can be thrown out of time is for the flywheel key to shear. The key should be installed so that the straight edge is perfectly vertical with the engine, not with the crankshaft taper.The flywheel nut must be torqued to exactly 105 foot pounds, otherwise the key will absolutely shear. NOte that if a key shears, the F/W and C/S tapers will be damaged and will require cleaning up.Other than that, the problem of timing (if wrong) would need to be associated with the wiring at the powerpack being incorrect.

[ledgefinder]

Sounds like the wiring to the powerpack(s) might be wrong. Do you have one powerpack located at the top rear of the engine, or two located on the outsides of the cylinder head? The rest of the V4s got the newer (2 pack) ignition in 1978, but if I remember right the 85hp had the old style ignition & LU. If you can let us know which style ignition you have, we can help out on the wiring.

[AUGIDAWG]

When you torque the flywheel, how do you keep it from turning?

[Joe Reeves]

Dawg.... You can purchase a flywheel spanner wrench at any reliable auto parts type store. Auto mechanics use this type wrench to turn the flywheel when they're installing a clutch pressure plate on a stick shift automobile. It grabs the ring gear teeth of the flywheel.

[Hooty]

...or, you can do the old screwdriver-between-the-starter-and-flywheel trick.c/6Hooty

[dan03]

i used the prybar in the flywheel, and starter trick. just hold it firmly in there. worked great for me when i replaced the top crank seal...

[ezeke]

Or, you can put a bolt in one of the outer holes on the flywheel, use an oversized screwdiver or steel bar for a lever, put it against the socket and work them against each other.

[Hooty]

There's more then one way to skin a trombone or somethin' like that.c/6Hooty

[emc81navy]

Thanks for all the input. Found the Starboard power pack wired in wrong. It was causing #3 spark plug to fire when #1 should have been firing and vice a versa. It is running now at low speed. Problem now is that when I open her up (full throttle) she has no power. I would say I am running at about half the speed. Almost sounds like it is not getting enough fuel. I rebuilt the carbs, could I have messed up the high speed jets. It has a new fuel pump and fuel hose.