Adjusting timing...

[JerrfyLube]

My 57 Johnson 35 Seahorse is having what im thinking is a timing issue. I rebuilt the carb about a month ago, did the coils, points and condensers and its got a miss down low. Its got good gas, mixed at 24:1 and ive tried playing around with the high and low speed carb adjustments and still havent been able to get rid of it. Its erratic though...sometimes it will do it, sometimes it wont...and im thinking it has something to do with the armature plate that adjusts the timing as you throttle up and down. I dont know if theres something out of adjustment in the linkage or what...but does anyone have any advice for adjusting the throttle linkage, timing linkage and anything in between or any ideas on what else might be causing this?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Adjusting timing...

Yes -- it's called a service manual specific to your engine. Now don't get all huffy! The process of synchronizing throttle linkage and timing is not a matter of twisting a screw. This is a long process that nobody is going to type here because in the manual for my engine the process and pictures occupy about 12 pages. Yours may be more or less but you get the picture. You start at the beginning and go to the end. Starting in the middle does more harm than good. And just so you know, running problems that come and go are not generally "timing" related but rather fuel system or spark quality related.

 

[JerrfyLube]

Re: Adjusting timing...

Yes -- it's called a service manual specific to your engine. Now don't get all huffy! The process of synchronizing throttle linkage and timing is not a matter of twisting a screw. This is a long process that nobody is going to type here because in the manual for my engine the process and pictures occupy about 12 pages. Yours may be more or less but you get the picture. You start at the beginning and go to the end. Starting in the middle does more harm than good. And just so you know, running problems that come and go are not generally "timing" related but rather fuel system or spark quality related.

I will get "huffy" because i thought someone would be KIND enough to point me somewhere that explains it, show me a post that has already covered it or would walk me through it. If your just going to say "buy a service manual" then whats even the point of this forum?? I asked for help and not to be rude, but if you dont want to, dont respond.

Considering how simple this engine is to work on and how few components there are in the linkage, i cant see this motor taking 11 pages to describe how to do it. And im doubting my issues are fuel or spark related...as i said, the carb was completely rebuilt and the entire ignition system has been replaced and both are both properly adjusted from help i got on THIS forum...from having a bit of experience working with small engines and process of elimination, everything ive seen is pointing to a timing issue.

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: Adjusting timing...

I will get "huffy" because i thought someone would be KIND enough to point me somewhere that explains it, show me a post that has already covered it or would walk me through it. If your just going to say "buy a service manual" then whats even the point of this forum?? I asked for help and if you dont want to, dont respond.

And im doubting my issues are fuel or spark related...as i said, the carb was completely rebuilt and the entire ignition system has been replaced and both are both properly adjusted from help i got on THIS forum...from having a bit of experience working with small engines and process of elimination, everything ive seen is pointing to a timing issue.

SETTLE DOWN ! He just did properly advise you. It has to do with top dead centre, position of carb butterflies, timing marks, and others. Get a manual if you want to do it yourself. Or take it to a mech at $80 an hr. Your manual will cost you $40 bucks more or less. If you are going to touch that engine, then get a O M C manual. And if there is something that you don't understand , then we will all help you. He just gave you the kindest advice he could.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Adjusting timing...

Could be an air leak around the carb? I have the same engine I plan on fixing up in the next couple of months so I'd like to know what you figure out

 

[kwazimofo]

Re: Adjusting timing...

I have the exact same dilemma. I replaced all electrics, twice, tested all with ohmeter. three sets of plugs, new plug wires, rebuilt carb, rebuilt tank. ran great for a day then progressively got worse. It will not run above half throttle. It starts to miss badly and spews smoke if you start to throttle up. I too am thinkin armature plate. My armature plate seems really loose with a lot pf play in regards to the tiller handle. Please let me know what you did to fix this as I am at my wits end.

 

[kwazimofo]

Re: Adjusting timing...

P.S. if I am allowed to do this, this guy is A semi-retired machinist and has a great site on rebuilding jonnyrude '74-'92 9.9 and 15 horse motors. a lot of useful information all in one place.

http://linpc.com/node/8