Checking Timing, Ignition System

[kidafa]

So I've recently purchased a 2006 Bayliner 175 with a 3L Turn Key Start mercuiser.

Ive managed to carry out all the maintenance items in the service manual so far except checking the timing, ignition system and exhaust. What is required?

Im yet to use the boat, Ive only run it on muffs, starts up nice and well but once the automatic choke turns off it doesn't idle very well and when I put it into gear (doesnt matter which one) sometimes it stalls, any ideas?

It may just need a good run as I have no idea when it was last used, fuel is at least 2 months old aswell...

Loving the forum and thanks in advance,

Chris

 

[Hydra-sport_Road-kill]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

[snip] I have no idea when it was last used, fuel is at least 2 months old aswell... [snip]

First, the fuel could be ancient or who knows what. Try nice fresh clean fuel first, you know . . . the easy stuff. Then the carb rebuild and adjusting the plugs/points blah blah blah down the road after.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

So I've recently purchased a 2006 Bayliner 175 with a 3L Turn Key Start mercuiser.

Ive managed to carry out all the maintenance items in the service manual so far except checking the timing, ignition system and exhaust. What is required?

Im yet to use the boat, Ive only run it on muffs, starts up nice and well but once the automatic choke turns off it doesn't idle very well and when I put it into gear (doesnt matter which one) sometimes it stalls, any ideas?

It may just need a good run as I have no idea when it was last used, fuel is at least 2 months old aswell...

Loving the forum and thanks in advance,

Chris

If this were mine, the first step would be to determine what your idle rpm's are after the engine has reached operating temperature. You should be somewhere between 600-700. You can try to get this info from your helm tach, but they are not usually accurate enough in the lower ranges. The sure way is to get your hands on a decent inductive digital tach/timing light...I use a MATCO MTL4186 for all of my adjustments.

There are steps to follow after setting the idle speed...let us know if you need them!

Happy boating!

 

[kidafa]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Spoke to old owner, fuel is 4 months old hi-octane - so it needs to be drained and have fresh fuel...

I've got a descent inductive timing light but no digital tach :-(

Temperature wise after 10 minutes on the hose it sits right on 175 deg F. Does this sound right?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Spoke to old owner, fuel is 4 months old hi-octane - so it needs to be drained and have fresh fuel...

I've got a descent inductive timing light but no digital tach :-(

Temperature wise after 10 minutes on the hose it sits right on 175 deg F. Does this sound right?

175 is perfect.

4 month old fuel should be just fine. Ethanol (E-10) will lose octane fairly quickly, but if you really have premium in your tank you still have more than enough octane for your 3.0L.

See if you can get a steady idle rpm read from your helm tach. If you are within limits, we can guide you in checking your timing.

Happy boating!

 

[kidafa]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Will check it when I get it back... Its having a holiday at the upholsters getting a Bimini made ;-)

 

[Don S]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Your problem is probably the idle mixture adjustment on your TKS carb. It does not have a choke. When you start the engine cold, it should fast idle for 6 - 10 minutes, then slow down to the specified idle speed.
The biggest problem is not the carb itself, as much as it is the lean mixture required to pass the epa requirements.
In the past, I have found opening the idle mixture screw 1/8 to 1/4 turn CCW usually smooths out the idle, stops the dieseling when shut off, stops the hesitation, and makes the engine much easier to start.
You will need an accurate shop tach and the special tool shown below for adjusting the idle mixture.
If you do want to check your timing, the instructions are in the .pdf file below.

 

[kidafa]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Thanks for the info Don S... Seem like one of the main gurus around here

What makes it fast idle if its not an automatic choke?

Is their anything else I can use instead of that tool? Perhaps a set of circlip pliers and use the ends off that?

Can someone give me some guidance on a shop tach?

 

[Don S]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

What makes it fast idle if its not an automatic choke?

It has a special carb with fuel enrichment valve, temperature sensors, and all sorts of electrical wiring to replace the choke.

Here is what the service manual says about it.

The TKS Carburetor assembly provides precise fuel and air delivery during startup for all
temperature conditions. An electrothermal valve, the TKS module, is installed on the
carburetor assembly.
Before startup and according to ambient temperature, the TKS Module brass sleeve
retracts, and the enrichment fuel and air valve is opened.
The TKS fuel / air passage is normally open, allowing fuel enrichment mixture through the
carburetor continuously, unless the passage is blocked by the plunger of the TKS module.
With the key switch in the start position, the vacuum of the engine pulls the enrichment fuel
and air into the intake manifold.This starts an electrical warming of the module.
With the circuit completed, the electrothermal TKS module brass plunger extends to block
the enrichment passage.
Once the TKS module brass sleeve is fully extended, the enrichment fuel and valve are
fully closed, and enrichment stops.
In order to keep the TKS module warming and the starting channel in the carburetor closed
when engine is warm a second circuit has been added.

Is their anything else I can use instead of that tool? Perhaps a set of circlip pliers and use the ends off that?

Nope, just order the tool. It's less than 5 bucks.

Can someone give me some guidance on a shop tach?

Most any auto parts store carries them. Here is an example.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=mMxsTq6zKafmiALvmezIDg&ved=0CGUQ8wIwAw

 

[kidafa]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Thanks again Don

Rang my local dealer who I've been purchasing all my stuff from and they dont have the tool for sale and dont even use one themselves :S He said they grind a small slot into it so they can adjust it with a screw driver :/ ? Is this common practice/ok? Or should I start looking for a new dealer?

Also my battery terminals has the thumb/wingnuts you do up with your hands that hold the cables on.... Should I rid this for nuts? Is it worth placing the battery inside a box and can the battery be plugged into a trickle charger while its hooked up to the boat, without any damage?

 

[kidafa]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Called another dealer today to order a carb adjustment screw and some bilge breather hoses as I've got a few cracks in mine.

Im also going to purchase something like this as then I can get a descent RPM read out and set the points:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&sugexp=bvre&cp=8&gs_id=o&xhr=t&q=dwell+meter&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1366&bih=587&wrapid=tljp1315848767585012&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9289534976178941780&sa=X&ei=N0JuTpjSBaTl0QH1z_H1Bw&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQ8wIwAA

I need to set the idle in the water dont I? What about the timing and idle mixture or can they be set at home on the hose?

 

[Don S]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

Im also going to purchase something like this as then I can get a descent RPM read out and set the points:

You don't have points, so you won't need a dwell meter, unless you buy a really old boat, and a cheap digital volt meter from wally world for 20 bucks is a much better and more useful "Voltage analyzer" in many ways.
If you don't have an advance type timing light, you might want to look into one that also includes a digital tach, they are very common.

 

[kidafa]

Re: Checking Timing, Ignition System

NOOB RIGHT HERE! haha

Ive got an inductive timing light so Ill just find something to measure RPM with

So the tuning up your engine with points thread doesnt apply to me?

What can I check to make sure all is sweet or is it just the timing and the idle mixture and idle speed on my boat?