First time timing

79camaro

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
83
I just replaced the distributor on my motor for the first time and had to do the timing for the first time on anything. It's a 2004 Mercruiser 3.0 and to find TDC I used a plastic stick and had my 7 year old crank it until I got TDC the best I can tell? put the distributor back on and fired it up and it started ok. I adjusted the timing but it was a really rough idle unless I was around 8 after. am I doing something wrong here?
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,931
You have to put distributor into timing mode....

1. Connect timing light (91-99379 or similar) to No. 1 spark plug wire. Connect power supply leads on light to 12 volt battery. Refer to Specifications � �Engine Rotation and Firing Order,� for cylinder numbering and location.

2. Connect a shop tachometer to engine.

NOTE: Before starting engine make sure the timing tab and mark on damper are clean. Chalk or white paint on timing mark on damper may help visibility.

3. Install a jumper wire between the two WHITE leads on the distributor. Use Quicksilver 91-818812A1, or fabricate a jumper wire using a 6 in. (150 mm) section of 16 gauge wire with two male bullet terminal ends connected.

4. Bypass the shift interrupt switch, as follows:

A Disconnect wires at shift interrupt switch.

B Temporarily join the engine harness wires together.

IMPORTANT: Do not fail to reconnect these two wires to the shift interrupt switch when timing procedures are complete.

5. Start engine and run at normal idle speed.

6. Aim timing light at timing tab, located on the timing gear cover and crankshaft torsional damper. Check the timing. Refer to �Specifications�.

7. Adjust timing by loosening distributor clamp and rotating distributor body as required until timing mark on damper or pulley lines up with the mark on tab specified in �Specifications.� Tighten clamp and recheck location of timing mark.

8. Aim timing light at timing tab and recheck location of timing mark. Repeat Step 7 until timing is correct.

9. Stop the engine. Torque distributor hold down bolt to 20 lb. ft. (27 N.m).

10. Reconnect the two wires to the shift interrupt switch.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to remove jumper wire before returning engine to service, otherwise timing will not advance.
11. Remove jumper wire at distributor white leads.

12. With timing light still connected, start the engine and run at IDLE. Verify that timing did advance to 12o BTDC, plus or minus 2o. At 2400-2800 RPM maximum (total) advance is obtained and should be 27o BTDC (plus or minus 2o).

13. Stop the engine and remove the timing light.
 

79camaro

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 4, 2011
Messages
83
Since it started ok and idles I assume I put the distributor back on correctly?
 
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