Mercruiser 3.0 MPI ignition timing.

[Hei_JJ]

So a friend of mine has a Merc 3.0 MPI he recently replaced all the ignition parts I told him I would help him set the timing. But while looking at his distributor his base timing wires look like they go somewhere else possibably for the fuel injection. I can't find much on the internet for the MPI so is setting the timing the same procedure as the 3.0L? Jumper the base timing wires and 12V to the shift interupt switch wire? 1st time posting hope I'm in the right spot.

 

[alldodge]

Being a 3.0 MPI it should be a CAT motor. This would mean it has a Delco EST distributor. A serial number would verify

The hard part is I don't know of anyone which has the manual for the motor. Being an EST it should list what timing is set at on the cover. IS there something there?

 

[Hei_JJ]

Being a 3.0 MPI it should be a CAT motor. This would mean it has a Delco EST distributor. A serial number would verify

The hard part is I don't know of anyone which has the manual for the motor. Being an EST it should list what timing is set at on the cover. IS there something there?

I could not find a manual anywhere either. Hoping someone around here knows something.

 

[alldodge]

Hey @Fun Times have any idea?
States right on the cover, its non-adjustable

 

[Hei_JJ]

Hey @Fun Times have any idea?
States right on the cover, its non-adjustable

I'm guessing it has an ECM so the timing is adjusted by crank and cam sensors. So as long as the timing is close on the distributor then everything is controlled by the ECM.

 

[alldodge]

I'm guessing it has an ECM so the timing is adjusted by crank and cam sensors. So as long as the timing is close on the distributor then everything is controlled by the ECM.

Agree, only issue is the ECM can only adjust so far. With the V6 and V8 the distributor has a install method to get it real close. Without knowing the install or setup, anything is possible

 

[Scott Danforth]

I could not find a manual anywhere either. Hoping someone around here knows something.

https://publications.brunswick.com/ the only legitimate place to get manuals

 

[alldodge]

Looking thru Brunswick. the only manual is the operations manual which is free. Its free because it has nothing in it to help. Also states timing is non-adjustable.

Looking at Merc site it list operations, parts and brochures, but no service manual

 

[Scott Danforth]

Looking thru Brunswick. the only manual is the operations manual which is free. Its free because it has nothing in it to help. Also states timing is non-adjustable.

Looking at Merc site it list operations, parts and brochures, but no service manual

I found a posting from 2017 with the same information..... or lack there of. I found the operations manual as well. probably best to call the local dealer

 

[Hei_JJ]

I found another post for a 4.3-5.0 MPI timing but I've lost it. I wanted to reread it.

 

[Fun Times]

Here would be the service manual....,

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Truthfully if the engine is running fine and no-one has changed the distributor settings, there's little reason for the need to check and change the timing with later model engines like these.

The Distributor and Ignition Components is the same older design as before but there is a Crank sensor in the parts guides part number 8M0082988 (18) and a trigger wheel # 16 the sensor reads which would be the reason it's non adjustable. https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30916/13809/110
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/3-0l-mpi-ec-1a072812-up .

 

[Hei_JJ]

Here would be the service manual....,

90-899883197 for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for 90-899883197 at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

Truthfully if the engine is running fine and no-one has changed the distributor settings, there's little reason for the need to check and change the timing with later model engines like these.

The Distributor and Ignition Components is the same older design as before but there is a Crank sensor in the parts guides part number 8M0082988 (18) and a trigger wheel # 16 the sensor reads which would be the reason it's non adjustable. https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30916/13809/110
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/3-0l-mpi-ec-1a072812-up .

Thank you! I didn't even look at ebay.
Unfortunately he took the boat to some shady shop that jerked him around for 3 weeks. He showed up at the shop and just said he was going to take the boat someplace else they told him they broke a cap screw. I helped him out but couldn't get the cap screw out. We installed another distributor I had but still had no spark. Then we tried an unknown coil but no spark. He decided to get new parts and install himself he now has spark and the engine wants to start but back fires. I'm going over there today to hopefully get the timing close enough for the brains to take over. Will also advise him on the service manual. For me that's a must have. Wish me luck.