71 Merc 800 Timing belt alignment

[Phil303]

I have the Clymer manual and it doesn't really help me with the alignment of the pulley?

It shows 3 vertical dots = Timing mark

It also shows a single vertical line = Alignment mark

It asks me to line up the timing arrow on the distributor pulley (no arrow there actually?) with the single white timing mark or white dot and punch marks.

I only have the 3 dots and no timing mark, so how do i line up the non existent dizzy pulley arrow with my 3 dots?

according to my manual timing should be 23 BTDC (although my decal only goes from 25 to 45 (see pic)



if i try time it as is, i can get the 23BTDC, but when i lift the throttle lever i can never get the 5-7 degrees needed before the pick up plate comes in?

Part 2 of my question is, the linkage on the carb side was missing when i got it, i have found a replacement, nowhere does it refer to how far in or out the thread should be on the linkage arm?
I think my problem is i have no point of reference to start from.

 

[Phil303]

Re: 71 Merc 800 Timing belt alignment

It would seem i don't have the correct timing marks to align things up to?

is there a manual way to align the timing?

what would be the best place to start with the linkage? in the middle?

 

[merc850]

Re: 71 Merc 800 Timing belt alignment

Here is the method for aligning the timing pulley the arrow is on the body not the top cover (you'll have to remove the top shroud to access it) and if you are going to all this trouble you should use a new belt. The dots should line up at TDC put a pen in the Nr.1 cylinder while you turn the engine by hand and feel for the highest point sometimes people take the flywheel apart to do something and put it together wrong!! (yours looks OK, no circular marks on the hub bolts)