Setting points/dwell

[mick97]

I have a question on setting points.

I will have points and condenser on wednesday.

I haven't worked on points for a long time.
What would be the dwell to set them at on a 4.3 omc 1987?
Its a 1987 galaxie boat.

Im thinking its around 47?
So basically I would turn the shaft to its highest point set the points open and stick in a matchbook right..lol
Like I said,its my first time with a omc,and a long time with points.

I had no spark,so thats the reson I got new points.Just going through it one piece at a time as it has been sitting for 4 years.ouch..
And I need to learn a little more for when the parts come in.
Scotty

[bruceb58]

I haven't worked on points for a long time.
What would be the dwell to set them at on a 4.3 omc 1987?
Its a 1987 galaxie boat.

Im thinking its around 47?
So basically I would turn the shaft to its highest point set the points open and stick in a matchbook right..lol
Like I said,its my first time with a omc,and a long time with points.

You set the dwell angle with a dwell meter. The alternate way, which isn't nearly as good, is setting the gap with a feeler gauge. Dwell should be 39°.

After you set the dwell, you need to adjust the timing with a timing light.

Timing should be set to 6° BTDC.

You need to buy a factory OMC manual(not seloc or clymer) so you know what these setings are supposed to be.

[mick97]

Thanks Bruce.
Yes will get a manual sooner or later.Just want to see some spark first.ha
Thanks for the settings info.

I'll post my results i a couple of days after parts get in.

[Don S]

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/how-tune-up-your-engine-points-ignition-335302.html

[mick97]

Thanks for the thread link

[mick97]

Does anyone know the point gap on this?
Is it 18?
87 omc 4.3 liter

Scotty

[bruceb58]

0.019

I really suggest you use a dwell meter though. The added benefit of using a dwell meter is to see how steady your dwell is over RPM. If the dwell is changing with RPM, it means you have worn bushings in your distributor. Dwell that changed also means your timign is changing when it isn't supposed to.

[mick97]

Im not too sure how to use one anymore.Been years.
I would be green for sure.

[bruceb58]

Im not too sure how to use one anymore.Been years.
I would be green for sure.

They come with instruction manuals!

[mick97]

lol.
Ok.
If these new points give me spark,which i didnt have,I will go and get one.
Didnt think id ever go back in time.ha
Thanks again.
Points should be here tomorrow.

[Four Winns Erie]

You can download the OMC Factory Manual here:http://www.mediafire.com/?j74z0nib459gh

[mick97]

Thanks,
Will have to look it over
Where are the timing marks located?

I believe someone said 6 degrees for a 4.3 correct?
I put a clamp on the positive of the coil correct?And then clamp over the #1 plug wire correct?
Looking at the motor,which one would be the number one plug wire?

Just put new points in and condensor,and got a spark finally.whew........
So I just needed the procedure,so when i put it in the lake,i can walk through the steps.
Thanks so much
Scotty

[etracer68]

If your asking about a timming light, there should be two wires, one pos, and one neg. They hook up to the battery, and then the clamp type to the number one spark plug wire. The marks should be on the balancer, or damper.

[mick97]

ok thanks.
Ya its been awhile,lol
So can i just get by setting it,and then using a feeler gauge?Resetting it after timing it.
Really dont know much about dwell meters.The guy at napa said its really not necessary.
But Im guessing if its not set close,i will burn out the points a little quicker possibly.
But i plan on changing them each season anyways.

[bruceb58]

You set the dwell and then set the timing...not the other way around.

Buy the dwell meter!
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7605-...5108725&sr=8-1

Just the gas savings alone in setting the ignition system properly will pay for the darn thing.

[mick97]

Ok,
I have the points set to 19 as I believe I was told.
So next set the timing right?
Then I will have to reset points?
Thanks
Scotty

[mick97]

Well thats cheap enough for a dwell meter,thanks.
Will have to learn how to do that I guess.lol
Thanks for the link.

[bruceb58]

Ok,
I have the points set to 19 as I believe I was told.
So next set the timing right?
Then I will have to reset points?
Thanks
Scotty

Again....once you set the points you don't touch them. Set points to proper dwell and then adjust timing. Adjusting the timing is always the last step.

[mick97]

Thanks very much for your help.
I'll be getting a timing light later this week,and a dwell.
I'll repost when I get to that point
Hopefully all goes well..
Scotty

[mick97]

I got it runnin,but only if i spray gas into the carb,and keep spraying.
i did take out the fuel pump and thought i cleaned it,but when i go to choke it by pulling out the throttle and pumping it,nothing is going to the carb.
Was thinking big deal at first because its only the choke and i can put gas in the carb to get it going.
I put the fuel pump back on.
The rod was sliding out and stopped at a certain point.
So when i put the fuel pump back on,i just butted it up to the rod,and pushed the pump back on.

Seemed to go on without a hitch.
Not really sure,but mabe i should take the pump back out hu?
I was thinking the rod and remounting the pump was alright.
Any suggestions?
Scotty

[bruceb58]

Mick,

Start a new thread with this new topic. Also, I suggest getting everything else working properly, timing and dwell as an example, new spark plugs, etc before you tackle what sounds like a carb or fuel pump problem.

[mick97]

thanks,
can you lead me to the right thread link to post in?kinda new here.lol

[bruceb58]

just go up to the OMC forum and click the start new thread button. Same way you started this one. Just wait until you get your timing and dwell squared away and make sure spark plugs, rotor, cap and fuel filters are replaced or in good condition

[mick97]

Ok started new thread.
Had a friend time it,so good to go there.And new fuel filter plugs,rotor and points.