1963 Evinrude 28hp Timing Question

[trehansen]

Hello,
Feeling sort of lost as to why my points are opening 4 inches (in a clock wise direction) before my "Richards outboards" timing tool is centering the timing marks on the magneto plate / armature. I removed the magneto plate to replace wires and coils.

Does the engine need to be in TDC when reinstalling the magneto plate? The engine does have a cam roller and plate near the front of the engine that has a + sign and the mag plate does rotate counter clock wise. Guessing this is to advance timing with throttle input.

I've always been hesitant to open up the flywheel, but here I am... any help appreciated

 

[racerone]

It does not matter where pistons are !!-----Is the cam upside down ?-----How did this motor run for you last season ?----Setting the points with the timing tool is easy.----And throttle position does NOT matter at all.-----You are timing the opening of the points relative to the coil.----Other timing is looked after with no input from owner.

 

[trehansen]

Racerone - Thank you for the response. You are a true hero of the forum. My late grandfather worked at the Evinrude plant in Milwaukee and had a wealth of knowledge like yourself... The engine became a bit more finick through out the summer last year. Towards the end it would take 3-4 minutes of pulling the pull start rope before she would fire. It seemed like if I would turn the low speed needles in (clockwise) it would pop easier. It would occasionally misfire, and then sometimes run amazing on WOT. Thought to open up the flywheel and replace all of the ignition parts. One secondary coil tested bad, replaced both.

I am overthinking the timing, however, still not sure why the points are opening so far way from the 2 timing marks on the mag plate.

 

[racerone]

Use the cam screw to adjust them so they open as the timing fixture goes between those 2 marks.----When the timing fixture is at those two marks the point are just OPENING.----They are NOT at 0.020" there.----You should not have to fiddle with carburetor needles to start this motor.-----In good tune it should start in 2 or 3 pulls.-------If you have to crank for 3 / 4 minutes you need to STOP and investigate.-----Weak spark is the reason for " hard starting " on these simple motors.-----A magneto in good condition can jump a gap of 5/16" with a " snap . snap " you can hear.

 

[racerone]

Information added to post #4

 

[trehansen]

Racerone - Thank you.

 

[Crosbyman]

this may help

 

[racerone]

??----Using the flywheel as the timing fixture is easier.----No need to remove condenser either.-----This whole procedure is easier if you understand the concept.-----Started doing this timing back in 1968 at a Johnson dealer.----Still in business today.