Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

[Eyeballsdeep]

I took the initiative to change the points on a 1970 25 evinrude. The old points weren't that bad of shape but it was getting no spark to the top cylinder. I installed the new set but they won't adjust to the .020 that I need. the wear point is at the embossed (TOP) but the gap is a little under an 1/8 of an inch. I turn the cam screw to adjust but that's all it will give me. I think I'll just throw the old set back on. Unless you guys can help.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Do I file down the wear tab on the points so it closes up a bit? Or what

 

[F_R]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

I wonder if the eccentric screw is bottoming out? It is exactly that---a screw. It turns in until it becomes tight and then won't turn any more. From that point, you need to back it off 1/2 turn or so. Then it will be free to move enough to set the points.

If it isn't that, I'd say you bought some defective points.

BTW, "Top" tells which side goes up. You set the points when they are open at their widest.

 

[racerone]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Agreed, back the cam screw out one turn and carry on adjusting.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Well first off I wasn't happy the way the clips that hold the point spring down. They felt loose so I used the original ones, they seated much better. I didn't want them coming out while ripping down the lake. I think they are defective. Here's the part #

I'll use the condenser but the points are coming out. What a let down.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

As F_R states, the word TOP on the cam is simply stating which way to install the cam. It has nothing to do with the timing/point setting.

The proper alignment of the crankshaft/cam is to have the crankshaft key aligned with the fiber rubbing portion of the points, then set the points.

 

[racerone]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

The cam screw for adjusting the points needs to be backed out one turn.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Oh well that changes everything. Where does the ignition plate need to be. Full throttle or what? I don't have a service manual.

 

[racerone]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

It does not matter where the plate is when adjusting the points.-----Just set them to 0.020" at the widest opening.----There are more accurate ways to adjust the points with timing marks on flywheel and magneto plate.----We will get into that if you are interested in the factory method.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

So on the crank ignition cam there is an "m" and "top". As I understand I disregard this and line the flywheel key with the wear shoe on the points. And then set it to .020? Because when I rotate the crank the point open larger than .020 when the cam is at its highest point on the shoe. Is this normal operation. Please forgive me, these old ignition systems are new to me. Everything else was cdi until this mind boggler. But thanks guys for your input it's got me out of some hot water time and time again. That's why I love this site.

 

[F_R]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

A few cams actually do have a "set" area marked on the cam. If it does not specifically say that, the points are set when they are at their widest opening (should be when aligned with the key).

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Here's where I'm at. I'm still at a loss. This is as close as I can get the points gap.

 

[racerone]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Have you backed that adjusting screw out one full turn ???------It pays to listen to the helpers.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Yes I have.

 

[racerone]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

????----Post a picture with your screwdriver on the cam screw.----I have never seen a set of points that could not be adjusted properly here.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

K I will when I get home. This is why I'm so confused. The cam screw adjusts the points. The points gap is adjusted with the screw at the bottom of the pics, I turn the screw and the points move in and out but don't get close enough.

 

[racerone]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Bend the upright to get them closer.-------Maybe these parts come from a far away land with little or no quality control.

 

[F_R]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

I'd put the tip if a screwdriver against the points baseplate, opposite the eccentric screw, and give it a tap with a hammer. That ought to move it enough to close up the gap somewhat.

P-poor quality control from the mfr., I'd say. Sometimes I don't think some of those places even have a QC department.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

here is a pic of my screw driver on the adjusting screw as you requested.

 

[Eyeballsdeep]

Re: Points gap way to big? 25 evinrude

Yah they were manufactured in Taiwan. I think if I file down the wear tab I'll get where I want to be. I just though it didn't look right and it isn't. Please don't mind the merc wires I have on here, but they are way more pliable than the original ones that were on here. They were so stiff and cracked. If it is a problem with you guys I'll take them off and put the oem ones on.