Tachometer for setting timing on 50esl74m?

[Keyboardman]

Hi Guys, My service manual says to set the timing at 3 degrees at 900 rpm and then 19 at 3500. I have the timing light but my boat doesn't have a tach. Other than spending $75 for an in-dash tach, is there anything else I can do or use? Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Hi Guys, My service manual says to set the timing at 3 degrees at 900 rpm and then 19 at 3500. I have the timing light but my boat doesn't have a tach. Other than spending $75 for an in-dash tach, is there anything else I can do or use? Thanks

You could get a hand held tach, make sure its for outboard use like this one
http://www.tooltopia.com/electronic...scplp6811580&gclid=CJrI4a_0gckCFZQ6gQodgPIGrA

 

[flyingscott]

One question what happened to the timing to knock it out. Very seldom will you lose timing on an outboard motor unless you moved something. If you need to to look up joe reeves timing method on this forum to help you. It will tell you how to time your motor with out having to run it at 3500 rpm it works I have used it. If you decide to time it at 3500 it usually has to be in gear with a load on it.

 

[racerone]

Agreed the timing on these does not need adjustment by an owner.----Timing will only change if you shear the flywheel key.---------What is the motor doing / not doing that makes timing a " suspect " here ??

 

[Keyboardman]

Yup, the flywheel key was sheared and, the guy I bought the engine from took all the linkages apart and I'm starting from scratch on this. I've replaced the key and rebuilt the carbs so I'm looking to get it back to the way it should be. I guess try the static WOT method from Joe Reeves to start?