Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

Koltar

Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Messages
21
I just finished rebuilding my 115 1981 V4 johnson outboard because it needed bored and 2 of the pistons replaced. Well with the help of all you on the forums, I got it toghather and running, thanks to those who helped me! =)<br /><br />The thing is i need to set the timing on it and i dont understand how. I know there is a bent bolt like thing that is connected to the carb linkage stuff, it can only be adjusted by pulling the cotter pin and turning it. But there is also a screw that does something thats connected to that linkage stuff, i think it might be idle of some sort, its bumps into the block to stop it. <br /><br />anyways my questions are, what is the rmp my motor should be at when idling? the book says my motor should be at 28 degrees on the flywheel, im not sure when its supposed to be at 28 degrees, ideling or wot? also should i retard this a few degrees since its a 1981 motor and the gas back then was different? Is there a good link on how to time an outboard? or can anyone give me steps to make sure i dont ruin this new motor heh.<br />Also does turning the bent bolt for timing in retard or advance timing?<br /><br />And the screw that runs into the block, the one for idle, does that raise or lower idle if you screw it in?<br /><br />Thanks alot, i cant wait to get it broke in and to play with it!<br /><br />Koltar
 

brokenboat

Seaman
Joined
Nov 9, 2002
Messages
69
Re: Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

Did you ever figure the timing out? I am in the same situation and would be interested in knowing your procedure.
 

Waterbugtoo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 19, 2002
Messages
245
Re: Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

First needs to be checked is the timing pointer. Best to use a dial indicator by inserting into spark plug hole to find exact TDC on #1 cylinder. Adjust timing pointer accordingly to exactly line up with TDC mark on flywheel.<br /><br />With all plug wires disconnected!<br /><br />Remove the throttle cable from the linkage on the motor. Connect a timing light to number one plug wire. Hold throttle lever on motor to wide open position. Crank motor with key and note timing reading at pointer. Adjust wide open timing screw accordingly to achieve 28 degrees BTDC.<br />Again, make sure all plug wires are disconnected from spark plugs in this procedure!<br /><br />
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

Koltar.... That "bent bolt thing" has to do with the synchronization of the timing with the carburetors. That should be set so that the throttle starts to open when the scribe mark on the cam contacts the center of the carburetor roller. If you've moved that nylon connector on the threaded shaft, hopefully you'll remember where it was originally and set it back there.<br /><br />Set the timing as follows.<br /><br />(Timing At Cranking Speed 4°)<br /><br />The full spark advance can be adjusted without have the engine running at near full throttle as follows. <br /><br />To set the timing on that specific engine, have the s/plugs out, and have the throttle at full, set that timer base under the flywheel tight against the rubber stop on the end of the full spark timer advance stop screw (wire it against that stop if necessary). <br /><br />Rig a spark tester and have the spark gap set to 7/16". Hook up the timing light to the #1 plug wire. Crank the engine over and set the spark advance to 4° less than what the engine calls for. <br /><br />Your engine calls for 28°, set the timing at 24°. The reasoning for the 4° difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition componets, the engine gains the extra 4°. <br /><br />If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4° which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage! You don't want that to take place.
 

brokenboat

Seaman
Joined
Nov 9, 2002
Messages
69
Re: Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

Joe, I need a little help understanding the timing procedure. Please forgive my ingnorance!<br /><br />My engine will not start at all and I believe it to be the timing after having ruled out everything else. In your post you state cranking is at 4 degrees before TDC. Is that the mark we're trying to reach or is it to be set at WOT 28 less 4. Also, which way (CS or CCW) is the knurled knob turned? Have Johnson 115 turbo jet.
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

brokenboat,<br />That would be 24 Degrees that you're after, when cranking and timing base at full advance, with the procedure that Joe gave you. Clockwise will retard, ccw will advance.
 
Joined
Jun 15, 2003
Messages
1
Re: Got my johnson 115 rebuilt, but one last thing

Thanks to Joe Reeves and others who responded to this thread re. ignition timing. <br /><br />It's now June of 2003, by the way. Just thought you guys would appreciate knowing that someone else found your posts and benefited from the info. <br /><br />I should add that access to a service book helps the neophyte to grasp the details more effectively. <br /><br />Thanks again for the info. In particular, it helps me to understand that the electronic ignition adds 4 degrees between cranking speeds and 5000 rpm. Setting the wide-open advance at cranking speeds is pretty simple, as Joe's advice underscores.<br />- Bret
 
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