Re: Timing on an 72 85hp outboard
The original factory manual has an excellent section on setting timing. Suggest you obtain one from Ken Cook Co., in Milwaukee. It's really a multi-step process and is well illustrated in the manual. First you set the timing pointer, then set the timing. You first need to adjust/verifty the timing pointer setting. You do that with a tool which is inserted in the spark plug hole. By measuring on the flywheel, you can determine if that pointer needs to be moved-you unscrew the metal pointer and move it accordingly. Once you know that adjustable pointer is set correctly, then you time the engine like a car. The airbox cover should have a decal which will show the max timing degrees for that engine-it should also be in the front pages of that service manual. You need to keep in mind that the max timing needs to be set at a high throttle postion, between 4300-4600 rpm. You can't set the max timing at idle, as the ignition system will internally creep the timing as the rpm's increase from idle-potentially resulting in too much timing and a smoked powerhead. You timer base has a sensor-no points.
