Setting Ignition timing on my 2003 Mercruiser 6.2L MX MPI V-drive

[w317chester]

If possible I would like some advice for setting ignition timing in my 2003 (Boat yr model) Mercuiser 6.2L MX MPI. I have just had the engine completely remanufactured and need to set the ignition timing.

What I know about setting timing:
- I know the number 1 piston has to be at TDC initially
- I know how to adjust the distributor cap to advance/retard the timing
- I know how to check the timing with a timing light on the harmonic balancer

What I don't know or am unsure about:
- How do I set the distributor really close PRIOR TO STARTING engine so my timing is already set close to where it needs to be for when I start the engine for the fine timing adjustment
- Do I have to plug a computer or anything into the ECM to tell the computer to "go into timing mode"
- What's the correct amount of degrees of advance for initial timing and total timing
- and anything else I may not know


Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Bt Doctur]

found this with google. ~~If your fuel injection system is MPI you are going to have to take the boat into a dealer to have them set the distributor with a diagnostic tool.
There is no timing adjustment on the later 6.2L motors. The distributor gear, body, and rotor have to be placed in just the right position so that the ecm can take care of the timing. If you didn't mark it before you removed it. It has to be set with the diagnostic tool

 

[w317chester]

No Title

found this with google. ~~If your fuel injection system is MPI you are going to have to take the boat into a dealer to have them set the distributor with a diagnostic tool.
There is no timing adjustment on the later 6.2L motors. The distributor gear, body, and rotor have to be placed in just the right position so that the ecm can take care of the timing. If you didn't mark it before you removed it. It has to be set with the diagnostic tool

Thanks for the insight. I see this came from repair manual 24....i've been using repair manual 31. Think repair manual 31 is the right repair manual for mine, not sure. Not sure the difference between the two repair manuals. Anyways I did however find the below bit about setting the distributor rotor position if it was not marked prior to removal. I wonder if a diagnostic tool is still needed in this case. My serial number is M317417. Is this one of the "later" 6.2L models that you are describing and if so then I should be able to set the distributor according to the below and the timing should just take care of itself, correct?

 

[Bt Doctur]

~~Service Literature for MIE 6.2L MPI SKI 71C 1.46 DRAIN 6.2L MPI SKI

PARTS CATALOGS
• 889342 - 350 MAG MX 6.2L MPI SKI
~~MIE - (6.2L H.P. (1998M ))
Serial No: 0M317417 Model No: 30620099S Catalog No: 889342

 

[w317chester]

No Title

Sorry here's the attachment.....

 

[w317chester]

~~Service Literature for MIE 6.2L MPI SKI 71C 1.46 DRAIN 6.2L MPI SKI

PARTS CATALOGS
• 889342 - 350 MAG MX 6.2L MPI SKI
~~MIE - (6.2L H.P. (1998M ))
Serial No: 0M317417 Model No: 30620099S Catalog No: 889342

Hey not sure what that means? Where did you get that? And I keep trying to post a picture out of repair manual 31 but the picture doesn't post. Not sure what i'm doing wrong.

 

[Bt Doctur]

 

[w317chester]

Thanks!!!!

So do you agree with just setting the distributor as it says here and the timing will take care of it's self?

 

[Fun Times]

Thanks!!!!

So do you agree with just setting the distributor as it says here and the timing will take care of it's self?

Correct, your timing is not "adjustable" and there is no need for the timing light or scan tool to set it into base timing mode like years past.

What you do need to do is follow the service manual in setting up the distributor and making sure everything is within range to fire the correct plug wire. The second diagram from BT is the guide to go by, the first one he posted is incorrect for your engine model.

The info BT posted that you are not sure of is some basic info about your engine model while looking up your serial number. It helps tell us what engine model and design you have so we're able to help give you better information about your engine model.

 

[Bt Doctur]

And somebody keeps deleting some or all of my posts. STOP IT

 

[w317chester]

Correct, your timing is not "adjustable" and there is no need for the timing light or scan tool to set it into base timing mode like years past.

What you do need to do is follow the service manual in setting up the distributor and making sure everything is within range to fire the correct plug wire. The second diagram from BT is the guide to go by, the first one he posted is incorrect for your engine model.

The info BT posted that you are not sure of is some basic info about your engine model while looking up your serial number. It helps tell us what engine model and design you have so we're able to help give you better information about your engine model.

Thanks so much!!!! This seems really simple to do since no timing light is required! Thanks again guys for your prompt help!