Link and synch 1990 Evinrude 8 hp.

[Tim Frank]

Did an R&R on the carb for cleaning.
According to the OEM manual to adjust the carb I need to do a full link and synch.
I'm having trouble understanding why. The only item involved in the L&S that I disturbed is what they call the timing pointer.

I cannot get myself to understand what the pointer actually does.
...and this implies that if you work on the starter and disturb the pointer, that you need to do a link and synch....even if you did not touch the carb. That seems ludicrous.

What am I misunderstanding?

 

[Vic.S]

The pointer is the reference mark for TDC. It must be set correctly in order for the the idle speed ignition timing to be adjusted correctly

 

[Tim Frank]

Yes, that is the "party line", but I haven't adjusted the timing at all.
How would it get out of whack?
More precisely, is the pointer actually somehow integral to the ignition or carburation, or is it simply a reference marker?

 

[ondarvr]

It does nothing but point.