Timing

[briaineo]

Could anyone point me in the direction of a "how to" when it comes to checking/setting Timing.

Just ordered a timing light but it will be my first attempt at setting or just checking the timing on a motor.

Have a Mercury 402 Year: 1974, Serial Number: 9034098

The index for the timing is missing on the port side of the motor: any ideas on what to do about that?

 

[brim_buster]

Re: Timing

what makes you think that the timing is off. Unless you did a re-build whats the reason?

 

[oldman570]

Re: Timing

You need a good manual that will tell how it should be done along with tools needed to do the work. Here is a online manual link for that info.
Boatinfo - 1965-1989 Mercury Service manual for 2-40 hp
A manual can also be bought at some large auto supply outlets.
JMO, Oldman570

 

[quicktach]

Re: Timing

Don't be too sure the timing is off yet. What are the symptoms you're experiencing ? It pays to do some studying and reading beforehand - get a manual like Oldsman570 suggested. Go to the CDI website and read their online manual to get more ideas. Research the web for old Mercs. Keep us posted.

 

[brim_buster]

Re: Timing

You need a good manual that will tell how it should be done along with tools needed to do the work. Here is a online manual link for that info.
Boatinfo - 1965-1989 Mercury Service manual for 2-40 hp
A manual can also be bought at some large auto supply outlets.
JMO, Oldman570

I have a free PDF manual copy if you would like one. send me a PM with email and I will send you a copy

 

[briaineo]

Re: Timing

can't be sure what the previous owner and done to the motor since it was bought as a non runner.

Had a go at checking the timing

point the gun at the window but no marks showed up during the flashes

they seemed to be to the right side of the timing window.

thanks for the offer for the manual got one, first attempt at checking any sort of timing any advice greatly appreciated...

 

[oldman570]

Re: Timing

You can remove both spark plugs and turn the motor over by hand till the top piston is at the very top of the stroke, and see just where the mark on the flywheel is at and then look for the timing mark on the motor. They should be lined up on the TDC, mark or very near doing it this way. Then you can spin the motor over with the starter and with the timing light look to see just where they are in relation to one another. There should be another mark on the flywheel that should line up with one of the marks from the first test. It may be that the motor had a sticker on decal that has come off and is missing. JMO
Oldman570

 

[briaineo]

Re: Timing

Hi was working on the motor this morning, took off the fly wheel adjusted the motor to TDC, but could not see any mark. But possibly have it correctly installed!

here's a link of the motor running: Movie - YouTube

would you know if the timing was off from the video?

thanks

 

[oldman570]

Re: Timing

The timing and the idle seem to be about correct in the video as I can tell. The idle needs to be set/ checked with the motor running and in FWD gear for the best performance. The timing needs to be checked/set with the motor at WOT, in gear and on the water or in a test tank with a test prop to get the best setting. With the motor running as in the video , it is real not a true telling story, as there is no load on the motor. JMO
Oldman570

 

[briaineo]

Re: Timing

Hi

The video didn't show the complete motor, it's running in a barrel of water. But not in forward as far as I recall. Glad to hear it sounds alright

Thanks