How to set timing?

Bass-man

Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Messages
23
I have a 1989 Evinrude 60HP 3 cylinder. I just had the powerhead rebuilt and need to set the timimg and synchronize everything. I have the repair manual but it is pretty vague. Does any have a good website or know how to do this. What special tools will I need? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: How to set timing?

(Timing At Cranking Speed 4°)<br /><br />The full spark advance can be adjusted without have the engine running at near full throttle as follows. <br /><br />To set the timing on that engine, have the s/plugs out, and have the throttle at full, set that timer base under the flywheel tight against the rubber stop on the end of the full spark timer advance stop screw (wire it against that stop if necessary). <br /><br />Rig a spark tester and have the spark gap set to 7/16". Hook up the timing light to the #1 plug wire. Crank the engine over and set the spark advance to 4° less than what the engine calls for. <br /><br />I don't know the full spark advance setting your engine calls for, but to pick a figure, say your engine calls for 28°, set the timing at 24°. The reasoning for the 4° difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition componets, the engine gains the extra 4°. <br /><br />If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4° which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage! You don't want that to take place. <br /><br />No need to be concerned about the idle timing as that will take care of itself. The main concern is the full advance setting. <br /><br />Be sure to use your own engines spark advance settings, not the one I picked out of the air here in my notes.
 

Bass-man

Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Messages
23
Re: How to set timing?

Thanks for the great info. So I do not need to worry the repair manual instructions about using a dial indicator to find the TDC of the number one piston. Then rotating the flywheel both ways hitting the dial inicator and marking where it was. Then use the midway point as the TDC. Also the maximum spark advance is 18-20 degrees BTDC at 5000rpm. Also how does this all work as far as synchronizing everything. Thanks again
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: How to set timing?

Bass-man - Not quite as Joe's procedure relies on knowing where TDC is. Timing is measured from the pointer which is set using the procedure described in your manual.
 
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