1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

[rekogniz1]

Motor was not running very well so I rebuilt the carbs and an trying to make sure everyting is correct. I have read and performed the reeves links about timing but have a few questions. I checked timing with WOT, spark plugs removed, set 4 back from spec to 24 as the label on the motor states 28 BTDC per his instructions. My problem is what should I set the timing/bar at for idle Timing. The big question is why did somome prior to me owning this (i am assuming a shop) have this set to 32 WOT, they also has white paint mark on 6 and 32 and TDC. Prior to me setting this to 24 it was set at 32. I had to move the bump stop alomost completey back to get to the 24. Kind of concerns me and dont really know if I am missing somthing here. Per the Reeves Instructions I just used the cranking power to set this. Is this correct? aslo, would I just have it in neutral position to set the idle timing while cranking also, or would I set the idle timing with it started on the muffs?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

You should check the factory service manual for 1991. My 1990 factory manual states that the timing for a normal (low compression head) 150 is 32 degrees. The S model (the high compression XP/GT) should be set at 28 degrees. You really need to confirm the powerhead you have, as it it easy to swap cowlings. The idle should be set to 650-750 when in gear, floating at normal level in the water. You must have the backpressure of the water to properly set this-you can't do it on the trailer.

 

[rekogniz1]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

Is there an easy way to confirm which powerhead I have per your response? I am assuming it is 28 BTDC as it has the label right on the intake cover, thats why I was wondering if this was ignored when the timing was last set or I should be setting the timming with the motor running in the water. Also, would the fact that I live in Denver, CO at high 5280 altitude have anything to do with this?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

The airbox cover is where the factory usually affixed the timing decal. It is probably correct, since you think it's an XP/GT model. You can examine the quarter-sized casting plug on the top of the top cylinder. The older ones always had the model and serial number stamped there. The XP/GT models all had an "S" after the hp designation in the model number: E150SXXXX. If you have a newer plug, it may have just the serial #. A Bombardier dealer may be able to decode it for you. The max ignition timing on these older electronic ignition systems always advances (creeps upward) a few degrees as the rpm's go up. The factory recommends setting max timing on this engine when it is (under load) at 5000 rpm. A little difficult to do for most of us, that's why many use the Reeve's timing method. I've set a few at 5000 rpm when on the trailer, backed into the lake with only the prop and lower unit water holes under water. Altitude should have little affect on timing, but will absolutely affect carb jetting.

 

[rekogniz1]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

Thank you for the reply! So does that mean that It was way off if it was reading 32 while doing the reeves cranking method. I just don't understand how the reeves method works without actually running the motor? One would think that cranking doesn't even repoduce 1k rpm. I don't really think I have the guts to try to check this while flying accross the lake at 5000 rpm. So I guess that explains why it wasn't running well. I just want to make sure that if the spec is 28 that I should crank it over with plugs out, WOT and set to 4 back to 24. Just double checking before I fire this up on the muffs and damage somthing. Also is there a method of setting the idle and linkages properly. Maybe a link somwhere that someone has explained before?

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

i use that to get timing close and then check it with someone driving my boat at WOT...be sure to hang on tight...lol

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

Yes, it appears that the timing was advanced significantly above what it should be. I'd set it at 24 using your current method. You can check the full spark advance when the engine is idling on the trailer. Disconnect the link arm between the timer base and the spark advance lever. Advance the timer base all the way to the stop and check the max timing. There is an excellent description of the carb/timing adjustments, called sync and link-found in the factory manual. This could be one reason why the engine may not be performing properly. You really should get one if you plan on doing adjustments yourself. You can get an original 1983 factory manual from Ken Cook co., in Milwaukee. Check them out on the web.

 

[rekogniz1]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

So curious as to what would the symtoms be of the timing being so far advanced at 32 would act like? It seemed to run good at WOT at 32 but am wondering if it will do even better now once I set this correctly to 24 per the Reeves method. Once I have the timing set per Reeves sould I mess with the timing at idle while on the muffs or just leave it as is?

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

set idle timing at 6 ADTC or where ever you get the idle you want.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

Understandable that the engine ran just great at 32. I ran one at that setting for a brief time. It had tremendous hole shot torque at 32 degrees advanced. Likely your powerhead would not last long running that far advanced.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

that is correct, timing advanced too far will eventually burn up you pistons.

 

[rekogniz1]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

So I verified timing to be 32 so even the SELOC book I got is incorrect for the XP model. I called a few shops and got the same answe of 32 so I went with that. How accurate is the Reeves timing method as I tried to do this while on the water and it is near impossible due to safety or comfort. If I need this set at 32 is 28 really a good bet doing it the Reeves method?

Also, I was getting bogging when I crack/punch the throttle is this caused by:

1. To much fuel before advance
2. To much advance before fuel

I can say that it is a real pain working on this on the water and would be much easier to have this done prior to the lake.The good thing is I got the idel set properly while in the water so all Ineed to do is start over with the Link and Sync process once i set the timimg properly again (I managed to mess it all up on the lake):redface:

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

You can check the timing while on the trailer. Disconnect the spark plug leads, and the link arm between the spark advance lever and the timer base. When you crank the engine, you can advance the timer base to the full advance stop and check the max timing. It will be as much as 4 degrees less than what you will get at 5000 rpm.

 

[rekogniz1]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

Yes, this is what I was refering to when I say the Reeves method. i was asking if this is accurate enough that i can set it up this way and leave it or is it just a temp solution to get close? Also, any help with the other questions would be very helpful. Thank you all for your help on this!

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1991 Evinrude 150xp Timing Questions...Please Help!

yes that method is accurate.