Re: setting timing on Evinrude 200XP
Spitting back, sounding like a mild backfire, usually indicates a carb slow speed restricted jet..... something causing a lean carburetor scenario.
If you can't find anything wrong with the fuel system, maybe consider a leaky lower crankshaft seal, letting air to the lower cylinder and resulting in a lean sneeze of the lower. Cant really think of anything other than those two.