joe reeves, dhadley,or ? 120 timing question

einer

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1988 120hp johnson-Is it safe on this engine to do the joe reeves method of wot spark advance w/o damage to the power pack? and if so is the spark tester connected to #1 and do I need to ground out 2,3 &4 plug wires?
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: joe reeves, dhadley,or ? 120 timing question

That engine has what is called "Quick Start", a feature that electronically advances the timing when starting the engine. This feature interferes with the method I wrote about.<br /><br />Bottom line.... The full spark advance timing would need to be set either in a test tank using a test wheel, or in the water while underway.
 

einer

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Re: joe reeves, dhadley,or ? 120 timing question

Thankyou, the info is very much appreciated.
 

Dhadley

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Re: joe reeves, dhadley,or ? 120 timing question

We have done the initial setting in a similar way. We let the motor run and warm up on a flushette. When it is warm enough to come out of Quick Start we advance the timing to the stop without advancing the carbs (the linkage is disconnected). Look for 14 instead of 18, you should be real close.<br /><br />Like Joe said, it needs to be verified under a load.
 

einer

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Re: joe reeves, dhadley,or ? 120 timing question

Rebuilt all 4 carbs, had heavy float and cracked fuel hose on #2 did sync and link. Took the boat out, put under load, very little adjustment was needed on wot and idle timing was off 2 degrees. All said and done with the cam roller indicator lining up where it belongs motor is idleing in gear at 650 rpm. It hasn't ran this good in years. Thankyou for the help.
 

Dhadley

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Re: joe reeves, dhadley,or ? 120 timing question

Glad to hear that!
 
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