Do OMC outboards in general have to be running for timing light to work? I try turning over with battery but the light on lights when I start and stop.
That is what I thought that cranking speed was ok to test timing and it is on this outboard. I tries 2 different timing lights on the #1 cylinder but they only lit when the flywheel first started turning and when the flywheel stopped? I tried it with the plugs out so that I could get high enough revolutions of the flywheel. Tried it with plug attached to wire and no plug attached and same result.
The key would need to be in the run position even if your using a remote start switch. Battery needs to be good and spinning fast ~300rpm. Motor spinning, not battery, lol. If your doing it with plugs out an air gap type spark checker hooked to ground on the wire tested is a good idea.
Timing on these motors is set at the factory.----Basically no need to adjust it for the life of the motor.----Just like modern vehicles , you say " timing light " what is that used for ?
That's for when people just randomly start twisting screws thinking they are idle or whatever...folks who dont know what part of the linkage does what shouldn't turn things...I've had folks twist a max timing screw in an effort to adjust the idle. Then complain when I give them a bill for a link and synch...
I used to be able to time old cars with distributors by ear. All you had to do was loosen a screw, turn the distributor with your hand to advance or retard it, and retighten the screw from what I can remember. I was a wiz at valve adjustments too. Funny, I was more confident in those days.
