Check Timing Joe Reeves method question. 200hp Johnson

truegrits

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Joined
May 4, 2026
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I had no spark. Tested and replaced the sensor coil (timer base) and Stator because it had a burnt Alternator coil on it. It started right up and Idles fine. Its on a lift so I have test driven it yet because I wanted to check the timing. I'm sure it can't off much, but did not want to do any damage with pre detonation. Not possible to do the 4500 RPM check, its on a lift. So I tried the Joe Reeves method. Plugs out, spark checker on #1, FAST start unplugged, full throttle against stop. 18 degree mark is not even close, its at about 8 o clock??? from the pointer. I did not try to adjust cause this would be beyond adjustment. Does anyone have any ideas, am I doing something wrong? or forgetting something? How much can the timing be off, if any, since its a direct replacement, and nothing else disturbed?
 

truegrits

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May 4, 2026
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Ok problem solved, my Clymer manual was showing Cylinder #1 on portside top. Actually its starboard side, top. Timing is right on, I did not have to change. I did have to adjust the Idle though, quite a bit. It was at 1000 rpm. brought it down to 650.
 

saltchuckmatt

Captain
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
3,211
Ok problem solved, my Clymer manual was showing Cylinder #1 on portside top. Actually its starboard side, top. Timing is right on, I did not have to change. I did have to adjust the Idle though, quite a bit. It was at 1000 rpm. brought it down to 650.
650 on the lake under load or 650 in the barn?
 
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