How do I set timing

[bryantjb3]

I have a 97 5.7L mercruiser with TBI. I just replaced my distributor cap and rotor which were very corroded. I would like to check the timing but my manual doesn't tell how. It only deals with the thunderbolt distributors and I have the EST. I have looked through the forums and read about a shunt but do not know if this is right for me. I have attached a picture of what my distributor wiring looks like.

 

[newport dave]

Re: How do I set timing

The timing won't change when you change the cap and rotor, but it couldn't hurt to check it.

If you know where and what the Data Link Connector (DLC) is, you just need to jump (small piece of wire like a paper clip will work fine) terminals "A" and "B". That puts you in Base Timing Mode, you then can check/adjust the timing with a timing light.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: How do I set timing

I did it just that way on my 97 Mercruiser 5.7 TBI and it worked just fine. But the timing should not be a question if all you did was change the cap and rotor.

 

[bryantjb3]

Re: How do I set timing

I know where the DLC is but which terminals would be "A" and "B"? Just wanted to check timing as it has not been checked in a while and I did have some rpm loss last year.

 

[bryantjb3]

Re: How do I set timing

Just went out and took a closer look and see the terminals are labeled. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[bryantjb3]

Re: How do I set timing

Check timing today. I checked it before jumpering terminals A and B and then again after jumpering. There was no difference. The timing is supposed to be 8* BTDC but as shown by picture there is only one mark. It was set to the left side of the loop. Shouldn't jumpering the terminals for base timing change the timing from normal running?

 

[Don S]

Re: How do I set timing

Do you have a manual? Did you do the steps in the proper order? Do you actually have an inboard, or do you have an outdrive? IF you have an outdrive, which one?

 

[bryantjb3]

Re: How do I set timing

It is a 97 5.7 L with TBI . I have a bravo 3 outdrive. My mercruiser manual 17 does not tell me how to set timing on what you told me was a Delco EST. I checked rpm with my tach and they were 600 at idle.

 

[Don S]

Re: How do I set timing

When did I "Tell" you that you had an EST distributor?
Just curious, didn't you notice that manual 17 did NOT have an EST distributor in it? Didn't you think that was a little ODD?????

 

[bryantjb3]

Re: How do I set timing

Sorry. In an earlyier post about removing a stuck rotor is when you told me what kind of distributor I have. The title was trying to remove rotor. I don't know how to link to it. I bought the manual by the engine year and serial #

 

[Don S]

Re: How do I set timing

Well, here is the thread.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=240415

Not once did you mention it's a 97 or which manual you were using, you gave a SN and just by looking at your picture, it's obvious that it's an EST distributor.
Soooooooooooo. Mercruiser screwed up, not me, cause all their parts info shows an EST, but the service manual (#17) shows nothing about an EST distributor.
What you need is SM #24, it came out in early 98, was immediatly replaced by a much thicker manual about 6 months later that also included EFI engines and the EST distributor.
Hey, I just report what I see and live with daily. I don't even try to explain Merc's problems. (and they have a few)