For all those doing a Link/Sync with pull start motors...

[2dbit]

So, I've done countless research and doing a proper link/sync always comes down to two things...having your motor mounted to a boat, strapped to a dock or to the back of a trailer scaring the poop out of you while you try to set WOT timing, Or, performing the WOT setting Joe Reeves style at Cranking speeds, setting it to 4deg less than factory spec.

Anyone who tries to perform the cranking speed setting when their motor has nothing more than a pull start know what I'm talking about when I say...it's not fun...or easy.

But what are we supposed to do? Especially if we don't have a boat on hand?

My question is this...

If the throttle arm is disconnected so that the carb does not open up, and the motor operating at idle RPMs, would it be harmful to momentarily move the tiller throttle to full to check the WOT timing. (if any of this made sense)

I just installed composite reeds and would really rather not see them get destroyed via backfire... Which I imagine is a strong possibility when ignition is happening so early at such a low RPM...

I've been down the road of trying to find a test wheel...boy are those things ever rare...

I've also been strongly considering building a test tank, as opposed to my current "test trashcan"

I'm currently on the side of the test tank, but before I go through that headache, I figured I'd try thinking outside the box on this one.

 

[2dbit]

Re: For all those doing a Link/Sync with pull start motors...

bump.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: For all those doing a Link/Sync with pull start motors...

Remove the spark plugs and ground the wires.

Disconnect the throttle cable and use a zip tie or wire to hold the throttle/timing lever at WOT.

Rig your timing light.

Get a helper to pull the rope while you watch the timing flash.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: For all those doing a Link/Sync with pull start motors...

Sometimes I cheat, remove the rope starter and use a drill/socket to spin the motor.

 

[2dbit]

Re: For all those doing a Link/Sync with pull start motors...

Charlie, what you described is what I was talking about in the intial post where you're pulling the motor and trying to check the WOT timing, even with a helper, every time you pull it (regardless of the plugs being out) there is a fair amount of motor movement making it difficult to check the line.

I am right there with your suggestion of removing the rope starter and using a drill/socket to spin the motor, but biggest problem with that is...you have also just removed the mark you check the timing against. (it's on the starter housing) I HAVE on the other hand considered the possibility of rigging a coat hanger or such to the motor to take the place of the missing mark...

 

[2dbit]

Re: For all those doing a Link/Sync with pull start motors...

Well, I was able to rig up the motor so that I could remove the starter housing and spin it with a drill. Odd thing I found when performing the test... Per the Joe Reeves method, you should allow for a 4 degree advance, so that the timing will be right when at actual WOT on the water... With the drill, I checked at 200-300rpm, and found that up through 1500rpm, the timing didn't change at all. I realize I'm not even half way to the full 5000-5500rpm of the motor, but I would have expected some movement...