Yes and no.-----First check the flywheel key.----If it is not sheared you can use a timing light.----But timing on these motors does not go out of adjustment.-----What is your motor doing / not doing ?
Timing is set by cranking the engine with the throttle set to max wide open throttle. Spark plugs removed from motor so it doesn't start. The model year and ignition system determines the ignition timing.
Just bought the boat and motor combination. Having found the throttle only opening half way, I`m going over everything . Engine now runs fine. Thought I`d check the timing........ just a maintenance thing. Also reset the idle mixture and idle speed for Denver altitude. It`s a 120 Force on a Stratos bass boat. Very clean..... like brand new. Thanks for your help !
I had a mechanic go over the engine pretty thoroughly before I bought it....... he gave it a clean bill of health along with changing out the water pump and changing filters. Fuel filters were `spotless` as he put it. I will take your advice and changeout the fuel pump components. Looking forward to getting this critter on the water. Heading up to north central Minnesota for 3 weeks starting Sunday. Pike and evening Bourbon are on the menu.
Only tuning before I go will be the idle mixture....... probably half turn out ( richer ) for lower altitude. I`ll keep you posted. I also changed the prop from a 3 blade x 19 to a 4 blade 17. Boat is a little slow out of the hole and onto plane. At 1,400 lbs empty , I think this boat could use a bit bigger motor. I`m guessing the 120 rated H.P. might be a bit `generous`.
The jets in the carb could easily be high altitude and this should be checked as the engine would run lean and possibly burn a piston. Also the idle screws (if I remember correctly) should start at 1 1/2 turn out and no more closed than 1 out.
