Don S
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Procedure for setting Initial Timing on Volvo's using the Delco EST distributor.
There has been some confusion and questions about the timing procedure for Volvo Penta engines that use the Delco EST distributor.
Thanks goes to Bill Sprague, (VP Rep) for tracking down the correct answer.
It appears the manuals state to hook up the B+ wire before starting the engine, and a service bulletin changed it to "after the engine is started" for a few engines, but not all. Even the newest manual has the wrong method of setting the timing.
Below is the Proper Procedure for setting the timing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to set the ignition timing you will need a special tool p/n 885163 (Initial Timing Connector), timing light with inductive pickup..
Set Timing as follows:
1. Start and run the engine until it reaches proper operating temperature.
2. Connect timing light to #1 spark plug wire.
3. Remove the blind plug (1) and install timing connector p/n 885163 onto distributor. Attach the alligator clip lead to a B+ source.
NOTE:
The Alligator clip lead of the Initial Timing Connector must never be connected to a B+ source until after engine is started. This is necessary to avoid damage to the electronics of the ignition system.
When the B+ source is connected, the engine may reduce RPM. If engine stalls and must be restarted the lead to the B+ source must be disconnected.
4. Loosen the distributor retaining clamp and rotate distributor until the correct ignition
timing is obtained and tighten clamp to 20 ft./lbs..
Here is a portion of a Volvo service manual covering the EST distributors use on 3.0, 4.3, 5.0, and 5.7 engines. Includes some typical timing specs. which will be handy for those that install an EST distributor in place of other type distributors.
http://www.4shared.com/file/253641936/d5e173ae/Delco_EST.html
Here is some troubleshooting information on the EST.
There has been some confusion and questions about the timing procedure for Volvo Penta engines that use the Delco EST distributor.
Thanks goes to Bill Sprague, (VP Rep) for tracking down the correct answer.
It appears the manuals state to hook up the B+ wire before starting the engine, and a service bulletin changed it to "after the engine is started" for a few engines, but not all. Even the newest manual has the wrong method of setting the timing.
Below is the Proper Procedure for setting the timing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to set the ignition timing you will need a special tool p/n 885163 (Initial Timing Connector), timing light with inductive pickup..
Set Timing as follows:
1. Start and run the engine until it reaches proper operating temperature.
2. Connect timing light to #1 spark plug wire.
3. Remove the blind plug (1) and install timing connector p/n 885163 onto distributor. Attach the alligator clip lead to a B+ source.
NOTE:
The Alligator clip lead of the Initial Timing Connector must never be connected to a B+ source until after engine is started. This is necessary to avoid damage to the electronics of the ignition system.
When the B+ source is connected, the engine may reduce RPM. If engine stalls and must be restarted the lead to the B+ source must be disconnected.
4. Loosen the distributor retaining clamp and rotate distributor until the correct ignition
timing is obtained and tighten clamp to 20 ft./lbs..
Here is a portion of a Volvo service manual covering the EST distributors use on 3.0, 4.3, 5.0, and 5.7 engines. Includes some typical timing specs. which will be handy for those that install an EST distributor in place of other type distributors.
http://www.4shared.com/file/253641936/d5e173ae/Delco_EST.html
Here is some troubleshooting information on the EST.
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