Timing Question 1988 90 VRO

[Outrage 19]

While trouble shooting my over heating problem I found that the engine wouldn?t run over 3000 RPM. So I did as much of the Link & Sync process as I could (not having a test prop I couldn?t properly set the timing). I now have full throttle at 5500 RPM but at idle she bucks and sneezes like the timing is off. Does anyone have a process for setting the timing on a 1988 90hp VRO without a test prop?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Timing Question 1988 90 VRO

Setting the WOT timing can be done using the Joe Reeves method. This method can put the timing within a degree or two and most times right on. It's pasted at the bottom of this post.

Going through your link and sync, did you set up the low end timing in or out of the water? Also, your problem, coughing and sneezing could be caused by a plugged low end jet. All four holes got good spark at idle?

Here's Joes' timing method.

Timing At Cranking Speed 4?)
(J. Reeves)

NOTE: If your engine has the "Fast Start" feature", you must disconnect/eliminate that feature in order to use the following method. The "Fast Start" automatically advances the spark electronically when the engine first starts, dropping it to normal when the engine reaches a certain temperture.

The full spark advance can be adjusted without have the engine running at near full throttle as follows.

To set the timing on that engine, have the s/plugs out, and have the throttle at full, set that timer base under the flywheel tight against the rubber stop on the end of the full spark timer advance stop screw (wire it against that stop if necessary).

Rig a spark tester and have the gap set to 7/16". Hook up the timing light to the #1 plug wire. Crank the engine over and set the spark advance to 4? less than what the engine calls for.

I don't know the full spark advance setting your engine calls for, but to pick a figure, say your engine calls for 28?, set the timing at 24?. The reasoning for the 4? difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition componets, the engine gains the extra 4?.

If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4? which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage! You don't want that to take place.

No need to be concerned about the idle timing as that will take care of itself. The main concern is the full advance setting.

Be sure to use your own engines spark advance settings, not the one I picked out of the air here in my notes.

 

[Outrage 19]

Re: Timing Question 1988 90 VRO

Thanks OBJ, I set the low end in the water. I don?t think the low end jets are clogged because while trouble shooting my over heating problem I made several trips to the ramp for testing and it idled perfect. Also while doing the link & sync I took apart, cleaned, and greased most of the linkages because they were all real cruddy and stiff. I?ll follow Joe?s directions and I?m sure that will cure my problems.