Sanity Check setting timing on '98 3.0L

[Bilgamesh]

I followed the manual to set my timing this evening. I jumpered the two white wires on the distributor, and connected the two engine harness wires. This is where I am unclear, because I was not sure if I should connect the 2 black wires or the other two. When I connected the black, nothing happened. When I connected the other two, the motor revved down quite a bit. I set the timing from this state to 1BTDC. I would appreciate any thoughts that might help.

 

[borz170]

Re: Sanity Check setting timing on '98 3.0L

I just rebuilt a 2007 3.0 without consulting the service manual, so I may not be the best source of info. Mine needs to be set at 1 or 2 degrees BTDC, I believe, but I will have to check to be sure. Anyways, I had to slide the distributor into the block, but before I did, I set the #1 cyl at TDC on the compression stroke (right after the intake valve opens). i varified by opening the valve cover. I alligned the gears so that the rotor was pointing to the #1 wire on the cap. I then had a friend bump the key so the distributor would slide down into the slot in the oil pump important, (lol). I then alligned the mark on the block with the mark on the distributor. She fired up and ran smooth. I just twisted her slowly back and forth until I found the right idle RPM, 750-850 on the driveway. Of course I waited a minute or so and I plan on rechecking her with a light and the right specs. I was able to get away with this because the valves were never adjusted during teardown of the motor and I had just adjusted them prior to spinning a bearing. I also never messed with the freshly adjusted carb. I sea trialed her and she sang like a song. I am intersted in checking her with the light and the correct specs (lol).

 

[Bilgamesh]

Re: Sanity Check setting timing on '98 3.0L

I set mine by ear and using the timing light before I knew about the instructions in the manual. It turns out I was not even close. I am still hoping for some feedback from a pro on this.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Sanity Check setting timing on '98 3.0L

With engine @ idle connect the jumper wires on the dist, and connect the 2 leads on the shift interpretor switch @this ponit set timing @1degree btdc,disconnect dist leads and verify timming advances to 10-14 degrees btdc(after leads are disconnected),increase idle to2400-2800 and check timming the advance should read 25-29 degrees btdc if this is'nt correct module could be bad. This all should be done with a timming light that can advance and retard the timming on the gun it's self. Hope this helps If not you can always go to the stickies section and download the Merc service manual and double check the proceedure. Good luck!

 

[Bilgamesh]

Re: Sanity Check setting timing on '98 3.0L

Timing worked out well. The motor ran great this evening. Now if I could just cast out the "hard start when hot" demon, I would be thrilled.