AQ130C Timing

[Gbay73]

Does anyone know what the proper timing for the Volvo AQ130C?
I have replaced the rotor, points, condencer and plugs. When the engine is started it runs terrible, sputters and stalls. The points keep pitting and fouling. I have tried to manually adjust the timimg to get it running smoother by slightly turning the distributer, but a few degrees in either direction and it gets worse and stalls.

 

[pcmpete]

Re: AQ130C Timing

Your timing should be approx 10 degrees before TDC at idle speed. Set your idle speed before checking/changing your timing. Have you gapped your points and checked the dwell.
Have you checked both carbs are getting fuel?

My 130c would not idle will either until I give it a full tune-up. Now that it is running good I am changing to electronic ignition for that extra piece of mind

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ130C Timing

Basic setting .............................................. 6? BTDC @ 850 rpm
Stroboscope setting ................................... 32?36? BTDC @ 4200 rpm
Contact gap ................................................0.40 mm (0.01575")
Dwell angle ..................................................62?3?
Usually the engine runs best with the dwell set at 62? or 63?
Be sure to get your dwell set first then set the timing.
When you replace points you must make sure you don't touch the contacts with anything oily. Even oil on your feeler gauge will cause them to pit and burn quickly.
It's also normal to have to readjust the carbs idle mixture.
Have you also done a compression test? If you have poor compression, all the tuneup work in the world won't help.

 

[Gbay73]

Re: AQ130C Timing

I set the contact gap at at 0.016 but cannot properly set the idle because it will not run well enough to do so. I did a static timing on it at 8 deg. BTDC but it would not even start. So I turned the distributer back to where it was and it fired, so I left it there, started the engine and tried to adjust until it ran smooth but it would not.
Both carbs are getting fuel. I removed both, cleaned thoroughly,set both identically, re-installed and replaced the fuel filter.
I am wondering if maby the coil is N.G. as well.
The engine is the original in the boat and according to the meter has only 345hrs. running time.
I will check the compression next.

 

[Don S]

Re: AQ130C Timing

Set dwell, not gap. Using the feeler gauge is a starting point.
Then set the timing to specs while it is running. Not just moving the distributor till it sounds good.
When all is right, they run fine and start easy. When things are off, they don't.

 

[Gbay73]

Re: AQ130C Timing

Thanx Don.
As soon as I can get my hands on a dwell meter I will do just that. I am having a bit of a hard time getting one.
I do understand that you cannot time an engine by turning the distributer "until it sounds good". I was meerly trying to get the engine to stay running in order to use the timing light.
With the info that you have given me I am sure I will be on the water in no time.