Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

[SandyBoat]

I am just about to service the engine on my Mercruiser 4.3EFI (2001) and have a question on how to set the ignition timing. The manual says you need a Scan Tool or a Timing Tool, which I don't have. Do you need these tools to do the job or is there a workaround?

I've had a look through this forum and can't seem to find the answer to this on.

TIA

 

[Bondo]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard Sandy,....

I believe you need to isolate,+ lock the automatic timing Advance system,....

On the T-Bolt Vs,.. It's just a Jumper Wire,....
But,...
With your EFI,... I'm not sure,...
Somebody will be along with a definitive answer shortly,....

Good Luck....

 

[JustJason]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

if it's TB4 you need to start the engine and let it warm up, ground the purple/black wire that should be up front next to one of the valve covers, set base timing, then remove the ground from the wire.

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

You can make a code tool and put it in service mode at the DLC connector.
Here is a post newport dave did, however his pictures aren't there anymore. But he does explain how to make it also.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=49800

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

if it's TB4 you need to start the engine and let it warm up, ground the purple/black wire that should be up front next to one of the valve covers, set base timing, then remove the ground from the wire.

He doesn't have that type of ignition system Jason, that's for a carbed engine with a Thunderbolt ignition, he is EFI and has to put the ECM into service mode, not just the distributor.

 

[SandyBoat]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

Thanks for the replies. According to the service manual the EFI is different to the Thunderbolt ignition systems. The manual mentions the purple/white lead for the TB ignition, but doesn't refer to this for the EFI and only talks about using a "Scan Tool, Marine Diagnostic Code Tool or MerCruiser Special Timing Tool". I'm hoping someone on here has the same motor and knows how to set the timing without one of these tools.

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

Thanks for the replies. According to the service manual the EFI is different to the Thunderbolt ignition systems. The manual mentions the purple/white lead for the TB ignition, but doesn't refer to this for the EFI and only talks about using a "Scan Tool, Marine Diagnostic Code Tool or MerCruiser Special Timing Tool". I'm hoping someone on here has the same motor and knows how to set the timing without one of these tools.

Did you read my replies at all? Did you click on the link in my first reply?

 

[SandyBoat]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

Sorry Don, I was slow typing my reply and missed your posts. Do you know if Newport Dave's timing tool applies to my 4.3 EFIs? Just want to be sure before I start sticking paper clips into the DLC

 

[Don S]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

If you have the 10 pin DLC, it will work. One note, you only need the paper clip to put it into service mode. You only need the LED if you want to check for codes.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Setting the ignition timing on a Mercruiser 4.3 EFI

He doesn't have that type of ignition system Jason, that's for a carbed engine with a Thunderbolt ignition, he is EFI and has to put the ECM into service mode, not just the distributor.

My Bad