Setting timing 2002 Volvo 5.0GL-B

[Senior B]

I want to check / set the timing on my boat. (2002 Glastron 205 GX) I have the Volvo Penta 5.0 GL-B. When I look at the motor, it doesn't have the index down by the harmonic balancer. It does have the white timing mark etched on the balancer and a white V-grove on the timing cover. Do you have to use a digital timing light to do these? I have a very old timing light and have not been able to make heads or tails about it. My boat does run great and makes the specified RPMS at Full Throttle and has no detonation or run on problems while using 87 octane gas. I would just like to see where it's at and maybee advance it a couple degrees.. Thanx..

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Setting timing 2002 Volvo 5.0GL-B

You do not need a digital timing light, but you do need an adjustable one that will allow you to advance . Local AutoZones to me lend them out for free.

I would be careful advancing beyond factory recomemndations, boat engines run under a constant heavy load and there is such a thing as inaudible detonation.

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting timing 2002 Volvo 5.0GL-B

I found this catalog from Mr. Gasket while looking for some timing tabs. No timing tabs in this part of the catalog, but look at the timing tapes on the last page.
http://www.mr-gasket.com/pdf/EngineComponents.pdf

Also be aware that a shunt is requiered to put the engine into base timing mode to set the idle timing. It should be at 10? BTDC .

 

[Senior B]

Re: Setting timing 2002 Volvo 5.0GL-B

Don, I take it from your reply that I would need to get an index tape to do this? Also, what is the shunt your talking about and where does it go? I always thought that the Carborator Motors where pretty basic and all you did was twist the dist and put it where you wanted it. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting timing 2002 Volvo 5.0GL-B

You have a Delco EST distributor, while a carb is still basic, Volvo left the points type distributors on the Chevy V8's a long time ago.
Here is some info on setting the timing on the EST distributor.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=271407