3.0L Mercruiser timing adjustment

[DJK555]

I'm sure this has been covered before but I can't find a direct answer through a search. 1994 3.0L with EST distributor. When adjusting timing as per manual instructions the timing does not revert to base when the two white leads on the distributor are jumped. Also, the instructions state that the leads to the interupt switch are to be disconnected and the ends from the engine harness connected. When this is done the engine dies. I assume that they mean the leads coming to the switch and not the leads from the switch. Any insight on this will be appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

Disconnect the 2 leads from the switch and connect them together

The 2 white leads on the distributor are connected together

 

[DJK555]

Disconnect the 2 leads from the switch and connect them together

The 2 white leads on the distributor are connected together

Thanks for the reply. If I connect the the wire going to the switch the engine dies. And, connecting the two white leads on the distributor together has no effect on the timing....it does not go to base timing. Am I missing something here. Perhaps a sequence?

 

[fishrdan]

- Start engine and warm up
- jumper 2 white wires on dizzy
- jumper shift interrupt wires (engine stumbles and runs poorly going into base timing mode)
- adjust timing
- return shift interrupt wires, then unjumper dizzy wires
- check ignition advance (should be 10-12* at idle)

 

[alldodge]

With it dying from connecting both sets together, just give it a slight bit more rpm prior to doing so.

 

[DJK555]

Sorry to belabour this but I'm trying to get a good understanding. If the interupt switch is designed to momentarily cut off the ignition during a ship then won't connecting the leads coming to the switch do the same thing..cut off the ignition?

 

[DJK555]

Thanks to all of your responses. As it turns out the sequence is most important. Thanks Fishrdan, your simplified order of things was most helpful. Done in that order it works as it should.