Need help! Primary Pickup / Idle timing setup - 86 Mercury/Mariner 60Hp 3 cyl

[CamaroMan]

Hi all - bought a inflatable last month - had some trouble getting everything setup correctly.. My throttle linkage bolts were mostly corroded - So i took it apart - one had to be drilled out / retapped - anyway -

Im curious how to set the base idle/advance? I have confirmed the pointer location by checking #1 tdc, ive managed to set WOT throttle stop.. Cables are disconnected and all screws backed out -

Dont have a tach so have to go by ear or something.. Seems the primary pickup screw affects the max timing? btw mine calls for 24 degrees cranking - which is almost near impossible to get to - i can maybe manage 26.. I did break the darn plastic advance linkage under flywheel - but could be off more than 2 degrees..

And every time I adjust idle the timing shifts - so caught in a bit of aloop.. can anyone explain what to do here? I do have reference pics of where the screw were more or less - but I want to know how this all works so I can set it up real well..

Heres a vid of it idling before I went and removed the arm.. fyi carbs cleaned, linked and all - motor starts first swing without using fast idle lever -

Does that sound right? I have backed carb screws out 2 turns each - are there vacuum ports on these for a sync?

 

[Texasmark]

On the 90 hp the timing sets the idle speed after you do a link setup....link being the carb linkage adjustment part of the fuel/timing relationship. Timing is around 0....within a few degrees at idle (675 rpm +/- 50) up to 20-22 at WOT depending on whether you are on the starter, or the engine is running on it's own. These numbers are for my engine, not yours but should give you an idea into the subject. A manual and a tach would help you solve your problem.

 

[CamaroMan]

Yeah managed to get her running very low on idle today, so will do some more tuning tomorrow..

Have some fuel dripping out front of carbs when I cut the motor.. Bit odd that, might take them off again this week and pressurize and Check for leaks..

Just a bit confused about idle, primary pickup which seems to affect idle via timing, and throttle opening..

Did read somewhere u want butterflies opening around 4 degrees..

Thanks for the info! Will be taking her out for maiden voyage this week!!

Will check timing at wot then as that's what can cook the motor.

Just curious shouldn't I drop a degree or two since modern fuels have less octane? Just to be safe?

Will keep turning screws till I get 24 on crank and 0 at idle in gear.. Have to be in water for that..