Is this dumb or not???

[5150abf]

This sounds like it will work pretty good but I have though that before...

I want to check my high speed timing but don't have a test tank or test prop however, there is a small boat launch 5 minutes from the house and I have a really scabby old prop with the blades worn down to about half what they should be.
I am thinking about backing the boat in the water with the scabby prop to give the motor resistance but not enough to rip the transom off and set the timing there.
The launch in question is actually for canoes I think and I have never actually seen anyone use it, I would gouge my eyes out before I would tie up a real ramp to work on my boat.

This in theory should work yes??

It just sounds alot safer than hanging on the back of the boat going down the river at 30 mph, that flywheel looks pretty scary at 4000 rpm.

 

[Randyg123]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

I just had a recommendation to back the trailer in and do the WOT while on the trailer. This seemed a bit risky to me. I am still waiting on comments form others if this is advisable. But I have a ramp I can go to that has little traffic and may try it. I figure that I can get the boat warmed up and have everything ready then put it on the trailer and if nobody is waiting, check the timing. That step should only take a few minutes. If an adjustment needs to be made, a few minutes more. If someone shows up to use the dock, I figure I would just pull up, let them use it and then back right back in to continue.

Boat docks are for everyone but you are correct, it would be quite rude to tie it up for more than a few minutes to perform repairs. I will be interested to see what kind of responses you get from others. Did you try the "dry" method for WOT timing yet?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

use Joe Reeves setting in the faq forum. # 1 you used prop is not going to give you full load. extremely dangerous, environmental neglectful. good way to ruin a ramp for others.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

Oh well sure, if you like doing things the easy way.

Heres what I did... disconnected the timing arm, advanced it to full, put a spark tester on and had my duaghter hit the key, adjusted to 19 -4 so it is set at 15 and the motor calls for 19, if I read correctly this is right, right?

It was at 19-20 so it was running pretty far off and I am glad I did this.

I just replaced my rectifier to get the tach to work right so I can figure out what prop I need and just wanted everything to be right with the motor.
Thanks again TD and of coarse Joe, that is why I ask.

 

[Theoutdoorsman]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

use Joe Reeves setting in the faq forum. # 1 you used prop is not going to give you full load. extremely dangerous, environmental neglectful. good way to ruin a ramp for others.

With all due respect TD applying full throttle at the ramp, to load a boat back onto a trailer, is done on a daily basis by nearly every boater I have ever known. A quick check of WOT timing would be no different would it? The ramp in question might throw up a few flags though. If it were a concrete ramp, I'd do it without hesitation. But, I wouldn't have my helper hold it at WOT for an extended period of time simply for the reasons you mentioned. All you need is a quick check. Leaving the tie downs on the boat and having it secured to the trailer will make this task much safer. The prop area would be the biggest concern. If this scares the bejevees out of you, purchase yourself a tree stand safety harness from Wal-Mart and attach it to a fixed point in the boat that won't allow you to fall out of the back or sides while doing it. If you are still unsure of the method, take it to a dealer and pay them to check it for you. Checking it while on the water, and under way, is not an option. Undoubtedly, TD, you will be of more and better assistance to him. Your experience, no doubt, surpasses that of mine.......by far. For what it's worth, I used the Joe Reeves method when I rebuilt my 1979 Evinrude 140 two years ago. I checked it on the trailer later, as mentioned here, and it was darn near right on the money.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

must be done carefully .the concrete ramp by my house is used by the mech that has shop there ,he owns the property ,he static times it then
puts it in on trailer with his tractor .,i personaly have not done it and i know its best to know what your doing
.he stated that if he has one in the tank .
he will use the ramp, to verify final timeing .
but stated that if done right the static timeing is always very very close.
im still pondreing checking mine before i launch,
thank you all

 

[F_R]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

At a recent meet, we observed a lady let her vehicle roll back too far and the trailer wheels dropped off the end of the concrete ramp where the dirt had been prop-washed away. Trying to pull it back out, the deep-V trailer frame cross-member hit the ramp before the wheels did. That honkin' big Diesel pickup truck pulled it out anyway--after destroying the trailer's cross-member. (Her husband did the pull-out)

 

[5150abf]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

Throttle on loading is actually illegal in Michigan cause it washes out the ramp, the thrust blows the gravel from the rear of the ramp and the dirt under the ramp comes out and the ramp callapses over time.

I used Reeves way in the garage and was done in 10 minutes without risking anything.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Is this dumb or not???

im not knocking joes method by any means he has forgot more than i will ever know , but i will confirm my wot timeing either in a tank or at the ramp hopefully in a tank .i will probaly let the outboard guy check mine at wot
he is cheap .edelbrock swap for final check out ,