Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

[CaneCutter79]

On cars & trucks, you can advance the timing and get better performance but it's harder on the motor and sometimes reduces fuel efficiency. I assume the same applied to marine outboards.

What are the benefits of advancing the timing?

What are the drawbacks? Shorter life and decrease in fuel economy?

How difficult is it to adjust the timing on a 1979 Evinrude V4?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

SET THE TIMING TO THE SPECS. no fiddling around, read the TOP SECRET FILE, timing covered there.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

Don't re-invent the wheel. set it where it is meant to be.

 

[F_R]

Re: Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

Advancing it beyond specs is almost guaranteed to blow a piston.

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

Thanks all. Duly noted......don't jack with the timing.

I was told the timing was not adjusted during my tune-up but I lost 100-150rpm somehow. I wondered if the timing was turned down a degree or something.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

What was done as a tune up?

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Adjust timing - benefits & drawbacks

What was done as a tune up?

New water pump and impellar
engine de-carb
new plugs
slight adjustments to linkages (if needed)

I was told very minor adjustments were made if any to the throttle and motor linkages. The idle has been turned down a little. It's hard to get it started now because it's so cold natured. I hope a carb kit will fix that though. It's past due.