Idle Timing - 130HP Johnson - 1995

[Striper500]

I have a 1995 130 HP Johnson that before I adjusted the idle timing, ran really rough between 1100-1500 RPMs. When I say rough, almost like a misfire. Yet at 800-1000 RPMs she was smooth as silk, and anything in excess of 1500 all the way to 5000 she didn't miss a beat. Nevertheless, I touched the Idle Timing screw and although the motor performs better at all the low RPM's, I lost most of my top end. Close to 5kts.

1) Is it possible for the Idle timing to through off the performance at the high end ?
2) I bought a timing light to adjust the timing back to factory. Any suggestions on how to rectify the above referenced problem between 1100-1500 RPMs ? is it possible I need a sync and link ?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Idle Timing - 130HP Johnson - 1995

The idle timing doesn't have anything to do with the top end timing. That being said, how - exactly - did you adjust the idle timing?

Those motors are fairly sensative to sync & link so yes, that's a good place to start.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Idle Timing - 130HP Johnson - 1995

BTW -- 5000 shouldn't be the top end. If that's all ya got there may be more wrong. Or at least more to be had.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Idle Timing - 130HP Johnson - 1995

Im curious too as to why the idle timing would affect the top end. A linc n sync is a good place to start as stated per your manual. What type of plugs are you running?? The spark plugs have to be the factory recommended QL78YC. Use of other spark plugs or wires can cause problems inside the power pack. A breakthrough at CDI Electronics has allowed the use of microprocessor digital control circuits to handle the timing, QuickStart, S.L.O.W., rev limiter and data logging inside the power pack. This allows the timing to be set using a timing light, remote starter, spark gap tester, piston stop tool and a jumper wire. With these new digital power packs, you disconnect the port temperature switch/sensor leads and use a jumper wire to short the tan temperature sensor wire to engine ground. Once you have verified the timing pointer using a piston stop tool (Or a dial indicator), connect all spark plug wires to a spark gap tester, connect a remote starter to the engine and a timing light to # 1 spark plug wire. When you crank the engine over with the remote starter and check the timing, you should see the timing is set to approximately 4?-6? ATDC (After Top Dead Center). By advancing the throttle all the way and rechecking the timing for WOT (Wide Open Throttle), you should see approximately 19? - 21? BTDC (Before Top Dead Center) Without this timing feature built into the power pack, you would not be able to easily set the timing for idle or WOT without a optical diagnostic tool. Additional advantages offered by the digital circuitry include the ability to compensate for a bad temperature switch, a smoother rev limit, customized rev limiters and special timing curves.

 

[Striper500]

Re: Idle Timing - 130HP Johnson - 1995

If you are familiar with this particular model there are two idle adjustments. The first is actually a large plastic handle with a thumb wheel which is located next to the flywheel above the throttle and shifting linkage. The idle timing screw that was adjusted is on the right hand side of the motor, just below the flywheel. (this is a separate screw from the engine timing) - Lastly, you are correct - the motor does go to 5500 RPM's, but I never try to exceed 5,000. I typically stay around 4500. I would appreciate any other feedback you might have.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Idle Timing - 130HP Johnson - 1995

OK, if you adjusted the idle timing with the large thumb wheel you're OK. Some folks set it by changing the screw in the throttle arm. That will change the idle timing but it also moves the carb linkage. The screw under the flywheel on the port side is a timer base stop screw. Some motors have it, some don't. I add it to any V4 looper that doesn't have it.

As long as you don't move the timer base stop on the starboard side the WOT timing stays the same.

5500 is border line lugging the motor. If it were mine I'd set it up closer to 6000. You can still run 4500 but it won't be so hard on it.

Now, you say you lost top speed but how about top rpm? Can you still get 5500 like before?