running a little off timing

[olbuddyjack]

Re: running a little off timing

loosening the bolt a little, that holds it in place and merely turning the distributor housing (with the wires still attached), forward clockwise or backward counterclockwise? to adjust the timing?<br />

Yes.<br /><br />Since you got the timing close enough to run, get somebody to drive, take it out on the water and open it up to full throttle. While your operator is driving, go back to the engine and turn you distributor(as in the previous quote)till your rpms will not climb anymore. You will probubly hear the dreaded detonation when you reach this point. Immediately turn the distributor slowly the opposite direction untill the rpms just start to drop and set it there. This should get the timing close enogh to safely operate the boat untill you can properly check it with a timing light.<br /><br />If your set against buying a light you can use mine, just stop in sometime.(bring beer)

 

[milkyway]

Re: running a little off timing

http://www.plymouthlaser.com/timin.htm. for basic timing illustration.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: running a little off timing

The hard start, "starter clicking a few times", you mentioned, is a classic discription of the timing being TOO far advanced. Retard it a bit. After a run, pull a plug, (on a good cylinder), read the plug. Close timing will show a 'color change' on the electrode, (the curved portion). the color line should be in the middle of the curve....sl