1991 Johnson Idle timing question

[Rc3469]

I have aquired a 1991 Johnson 50 hp tiller motor, and I know that the WOT timing is 19 degrees BTDC and that idle timing is 3 degrees ATDC. And I have read that if the WOT is set then the Idle timing will take of itself. My question is, If the idle timing is set, will the WOT take care of itself? I have tried the Joe Reeves method on this motor for the WOT, but doesn't work out. So I need to put boat on the water with motor in idle in forward gear to check idle timing. I have tried two local marine dealers and they don't know or don't want to tell me. Any help will be appreciated, Thanks, Bob

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: 1991 Johnson Idle timing question

My question is, If the idle timing is set, will the WOT take care of itself?

The answer to that is a resounding NO. The reason people say that the idle timing "takes care of itself" is that under different conditions an outboard engine may need a bit more or a bit less idle timing than specified to idle at the proper speed. The timing at full advance needs to be correct no matter what else you do.