Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

[semo549]

I'm having problems timing my 1977 mercrusier 165. The markings on the timing tabs are corroded off. The manual calls for 6 degree advance. I'm guessing the the deeper of the V notches is zero and to the left is advanced. The problem is I'm not sure if the notches are going in increments of 2 at every point or what? Also I'm not sure what the vertical cylinder is next to the deep V on the timing tab. So can anyone direct me on what notch to set the timing. Thanks.

Jim

 

[ziggy]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

this pic is from my 72 165hp L6...

hope that helps.. though i don't know if it will. your timing mark tab looks a shade different than mine with that one large deep v on yours,
mine obviously don't have that extra deep v...

my 75 165hp L6 has this same tab as my pic... maybe they changed it in 77, i don't know..

 

[semo549]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

the manual i have shows 3 different timing tabs including yours but it doesnt show the one i have. so it looks like the tips of your V are in increments of 4. thanks

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

the manual i have shows 3 different timing tabs including yours but it doesnt show the one i have. so it looks like the tips of your V are in increments of 4. thanks

What maintenance manual are you using?

 

[gadget73]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

That tube I think was used for some sort of computerized timing setting, probably not used in a marine application, likely it was a car thing that just carried over in the timing cover stampings. Usually the wide V is 0, and the points are 4 degrees apart.

 

[semo549]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

What maintenance manual are you using?

I'm using: Mercrusier Pocket Service Guide

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

Mercruiser manual #1 states a 165 is timed at 6 degrees BTDC.
Using a fixture to locate TDC on the number one cylinder, turn the engine over by hand until it's at TDC. Mark the tab TDC. Time accordingly.
http://www.scooterworks.com/Tool_Top_Dead_Center_Finder_P3498C570.cfm

 

[broken08]

Re: Mercruiser 165 timing? Markings are gone. w/ pics

is this a dead thread?
I have the same engine and same timing marks and didn't really see any true resolution here.
so we THINK big V is 0 and each notch is 4 degrees? anyone ever confirm this?
Thanks so much, I gotta get this thing set up right!