1960 Evinrude Lark II 40hp cam follower not contacting cam?

[ChadMichels]

über-novice here with what I hope is a simple question. I am desperatly trying to figure out how to properly set the timing on this engine, however the descriptions in the Seloc manual, as well as threads on iBoats have me concerned I am missing something important. The cam follower on my engine does not contact the cam. It can touch the cam if I just lift up on it, but it just flaps in the breeze. There is another hole on the arm that looks like it should have another rod that I think is supposed to be a pull starter lockout, but this entire assembly is missing from my engine.

This sounds like a dumb question but is the cam follower supposed to constantly be in contact with the cam? I feel like it should be under some spring tension or somthing to keep it from flopping over? Is the missing assembly mandatory? Is that what holds the follower in place? I did have this engine running (not well) and the boat on the water about 5 years ago, and whatever pieces are missing were missing then as well. I am just confused because everything seems to move in concert with everything else regardless if the follower actually is in contact with the cam or not..

Will attach pictures if that will help. Thanks guys.

 

[jimmbo]

 

[ChadMichels]

Ok so it sounds like I just need to take up the difference by adjusting the cam plate on the armature. Any idea how much adjustment room there is? Because it seems like I'd need to move it out by Almost half an inch? Photo attached but perspective is wonky.

 

[jimmbo]

Ok so it sounds like I just need to take up the difference by adjusting the cam plate on the armature. Any idea how much adjustment room there is? Because it seems like I'd need to move it out by Almost half an inch? Photo attached but perspective is wonky.

No. Read the pages. Your engines uses the later linkage, and refers to Image M9-7, which is what your engine has. Enlarge the pic a bit and the Pic becomes Clearer.

I also suspect the Fuel Saver Linkage is a bit out of wack. Adjustment of it is also explained, and Images OM9-8 and OM9-9

 

[ChadMichels]

Ah yeah was looking at wrong figure, thanks. Currently the fuel saver rod is the only reason the cam follower (and thus the butterfly valve) moves at all while adjusting the throttle, so it must be completely out of whack. The eccentric bushing seems to have almost not effect on the adjustment currently, there just isn't enough movement.

I'll try getting the fuel saver rod adjustment dialed in tomorrow, thanks.