5.0 Merc Timing question

[Francin728]

I have a 97 5.0 Carb and I want to check the timing on it. Do these engines need to be put in timing mode to check and if so how do you go about putting it in timing mode?

 

[Pete104]

Re: 5.0 Merc Timing question

Yes. There is a purple/white wire with black plug on the stbd side. Jump it to ground & start the engine. It MUST be connected prior to starting. You may have to bump up the idle slightly, just make sure the engine is warm enough to run at idle.
Somebody might post a link for the manual. But that's pretty much it!