73 Johnson Timing problem

[tsbauer]

I have done a complete re-power/rebuild of my 73 Johnson 135 V4. New pistons, rebuilt carbs, lower unit, stator, new power pack and coils....basically everything but the fuel pump at this point. I just finished installing the power pack and coils today and went through the sync/timing process. The engine has been running rough since the rebuild and can't seem to idle under power. It snorts through the carbs and kicks a little, then stops running. If I choke it and juice the throttle, she'll start right up, but just won't run smooth or idle well. I don't have the OMC neon testers, so I can't run a full diagnostic, however, I am getting 95+ pounds in all 4 cylinders, I get a strong blue arc over 7/16" at each plug. I'm getting good fuel delivery and the tank, lines, everything was replaced 2 years ago.

The one thing that is very odd and believe to be the problem is my timing. After replacing the PP and coils, I went to check the timing and could not see the timing marks on the flywheel. I scanned pretty far to either side then finally found my marks 180 degrees off. Exactly opposite from the timing pointer on the head. Now I'm no rocket scientist, but, I'm pretty sure that's a bad thing. How could the timing be 180 degrees off and how can I fix this? The flywheel is keyed and it's not like a 4 stroke with a timing chain or belt. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 73 Johnson Timing problem

Are you hooking the light to the top right cylinder, as top right looking at the engine from the back?

 

[tsbauer]

Re: 73 Johnson Timing problem

Yes I am. The no.1 cylinder, top starboard side. I triple checked that.

Could it have something to do with the position of the stator or timing base?

Thanks for the reply BTW.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 73 Johnson Timing problem

I can't think of what you have wrong there. That engine is magneto CD, the stator will only go one way. Do you have all sensor wire's to the power pak in the correct order?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 73 Johnson Timing problem

I can't think of what you have wrong there. That engine is magneto CD, the stator will only go one way. Do you have all sensor wire's to the power pak in the correct order? Also pak to coil wires.

 

[tsbauer]

Re: 73 Johnson Timing problem

I can't think of what you have wrong there. That engine is magneto CD, the stator will only go one way. Do you have all sensor wire's to the power pak in the correct order? Also pak to coil wires.

When I replaced the PP I checked the sensor wires and the coil wires. I believe everything is in order, but I will double check everything. This whole thing is very odd. I'll let you know what I find.

Thanks again.