'76 850 - Timing Event One (Clams' Method)

[Smig]

I am following Clams' Timing and Sync procedure (which is great by the way - thank you Clams!!!) and found that I can't physically retard the timing any more that 4 deg. BTDC - at that point the timing arm hits the wires coming from the stator/trigger. So I have two questions:

1) Should I be able to move the timing more that 4 deg. BTDC?
2) Where should the 1st event happen - at idle (which is 4 deg. BTDC), TDC or somewhere later?

Thanks
Shaun

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '76 850 - Timing Event One (Clams' Method)

Smig, If you cannot retard the timing to 2degrees BTDC or TDC, something is incorrectly installed on your motor.

The idle pickup (first event) should occur when specified for your motor. I think my inline six idle pickup is 4 BTDC, but I am not sure. In any case, you should be able to retard the timing (to a few degrees ATDC) by closing the throttle from that point.

 

[Smig]

Re: '76 850 - Timing Event One (Clams' Method)

OK Chris1956, the DUH!!! factor just hit me square in the face!!!:$:$ This is one of those moments where I should turn around and have someone take the boat away!!

...this whole time I have been writing, saying and thinking "Before" but in reality, I have been at "After" the whole time! So I have been trying to jam idle and the first event right up close to the wires at 4 deg. ATDC!!

So now that I have hopefully managed to pull my head out of my &*^, the question is - my engine spec's call for primary pickup to be between 2 deg. BTDC - 4 deg. ATDC. Since I can get my motor to run anywhere in this range, where is the best place to put it (or am I already there - idle is at 4 deg. ATDC, primary is at 2 deg. ATDC, 800 rpm in neutral, 600 rpm in gear, screws at 2 turns out. )

Shaun