Set timing? 1979 15hp 'rude

[michiganmarty]

How do I check and set the timing on this guy?<br /><br />With the engine not running, the cover off, and in gear, if I twist the throttle through the entire range from idle through wide open throttle several times, the flywheel turns with the ignition plate just a little bit. Can this be normal?<br /><br />Engine does not idle well at all. It has repeated missing, but not where you could narrow it down to "it misses every other stroke". I suspect the timing and general ignition system, as I already went through the carb with no indication of any problems there. (It has new Spark plugs gapped at .030")<br /><br />Seems to run great when it is wide open.<br /><br />Thanks in advance - <br />Marty Stuetzer

 

[hondon]

Re: Set timing? 1979 15hp 'rude

If you look at the front of your engine ,just blow the flywheel ,you will see a ramped cam ,and on that cam you will see a line, and near that line you will see a roller mounted to the carb.That cam moves as you turn the twist grip,and when that line on the cam is right on center with the roller on the carb that carb should just begin to open.Likewise when that grip is all the way open the roll pinon the side of the carb should at 90 degrees to horizontal.This is the miracle of sync and link and the only control you have over you timing.