(1) - Do you have a method for the correct way to adjust the throttle cable? I think I screwed up by adjusting the idle with the thumb wheel at the threaded portion of the cable.
(2) - And could you also post a timing and idle method for this engine if you have one? I have seen some "joe reeves' timing method" links here and there but not sure which one I should follow.
1 - Setting the idle when all else is as it should be...... Keep in mind that I retired in 1991, and that your engine is a 2001 model, indicating that I have no knowledge of the engine's design or circuitry... you're on your own in many areas unless another member jumps in here with definite advice.
Adjusting the throttle cable for a idle setting is simply a matter of finding the "Idle Stop Screw" on your powerhead which prevents the throttle from dropping any further back than from where you set it. To start, back the screw away so that it touches nothing... Now, adjust the threaded trunion on the cable so that the idle is exactly where you want it... then adjust that stop screw in to touch the "stop". That's it. However, you will probably need to repeat this process a few times as opening the throttle, then closing it as will be encountered naturally as the boat is operated, the cable play will interfere and a correction will be required...... usually the idle ends up still being a little too high and the trunion requires readjustment.
2 - The following should be suitable to check the "Full Spark Advance" timing... BUT... hopefully a member with absolute knowledge of your 2001 engine will advise should I be in error.
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(Timing At Cranking Speed 4°)
(J. Reeves)
NOTE:
If your engine has the "Fast Start" feature", you must disconnect/eliminate that feature in order to use the following method. The "Fast Start" automatically advances the spark electronically when the engine first starts, dropping it to normal when the engine reaches a certain temperature.
The full spark advance can be adjusted at cranking speed,"without" have the engine running as follows.
To set the timing on that engine, have the s/plugs out, and have the throttle at full, set that timer base under the flywheel tight against the rubber stop on the end of the full spark timer advance stop screw (wire it against that stop if necessary).
Rig up a spark tester on the #1 cylinder plug wire. Hook up the timing light to the #1 plug wire. Crank the engine over and set the spark advance to 4° less than what the engine calls for.
It's a good idea to ground the other plug wires to avoid sparks that could ignite fuel that may shoot out of the plug holes. I've personally never grounded them out and have never encountered a problem but it could happen.
I don't know the full spark advance setting your engine calls for, but to pick a figure, say your engine calls for 28°, set the timing at 24°. The reasoning for the 4° difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition components, the engine gains the extra 4°.
If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4° which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage! You don't want that to take place.
No need to be concerned about the idle timing as that will take care of itself. The main concern is the full advance setting.
A fellow member from one of the various marine forums suggested having water supplied to the water pump (flushette or barrel) simply to provide lubrication to impeller. A worthwhile suggestion I thought, and entered here.
Be sure to use your own engines spark advance settings, not the one I picked out of the air here in my notes.
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