Joe Reeves Timing Method - 2 Questions

[seabird89]

I'm sorry if these are stupid questions, I am a novice.

Regarding Joe Reeves method as posted here, what is the spark tester for? I see it mentioned that you need to set one up for 7/16" gap, but not mentioned again during the procedure.

Secondly, I just want to confirm the location of the number one spark plug. I have an '89 OMC Seadrive 2.0L 140hp. The number 1 spark plug is on the top starboard side, correct?

If I am facing the engine looking towards the bow, they are numbered like this, right?

2 1
4 3

 

[Rapio]

No stupid questions. I'm sure you will get a better reply, but in the mean time, the tester is connected to a spark plug ignition lead and ground and when the engine is cranked a significant spark should jump the 7/16".

 

[robstead]

Regarding the cylinder number, look around on the power head near the plugs, usually they are numbered near there.

 

[willamettejeff]

Your cylinder numbering is correct. Much debate in the past for need of spark tester in preventing the coils from possibly burning up will cranking with spark plugs removed and spark plug wires thus unattached. I have never used one during the procedure, but that's my choice and all I'm going to say about it.

One hint: Be sure to have timing pointer is properly adjusted to the TDC mark on the flywheel first before making any other adjustments as they all depend on this being correct.

 

[seabird89]

Thanks. I checked the #1 cylinder and TDC previously when checking for a sheared flywheel key so it should be good, although if I am pulling the plugs for this procedure I will check it again just to be sure.

So the spark tester would be jumped to all 4 wires and grounded? If so, I am doing something similar already. I have jumper wires alligator clipped to the inside of each spark plug lead on one end and all of them clipped to a short cut off piece of jumper cable wire with that large jumper cable clamped onto the engine ground below the starter. This should serve the same purpose as the spark tester for this procedure, right?