Timing approximately 60° off from pointer

[Fish65]

Re: 1986 E40ELCDE.
This Motor does not run smooth on idle when I try to time the engine The timing mark on the fly wheel actually flashes and is shown approximately 60° Off from the reference pointer as checked in the water at 3500 RPM any ideas as to why the timing would be so far off would be greatly appreciated. The timing is 19° before top dead center according to specifications.

 

[racerone]

Check the flywheel key . -----Post compression test values.----Should be around 140 psi.

 

[Fish65]

Flywheel key is intact compression is 145 psi on cylinder number one 143 on cylinder number two.

 

[racerone]

Just needs a little adjustment then.

 

[Fish65]

I think that the timing is regulated by the CD2 if I’m not mistaken. I have rebuilt the VRO pump rebuilt the carburetors,set the float levels, put in a new set of reeds. I did a link in sync on the carburetors and I also ran diagnostics on the pick up coil, driver coil, and coils for cylinder one and two The spark jumps the required gap as specified and there’s a good blue spark. I am at a loss as to why the timing is off so much and I cannot Time the motor my only thoughts are there is something wrong with the CD2 igniter. I also tried a new set of plugs. The engine exhibits A slight misfire through all ranges of RPM. If anyone has any ideas I would be more than open to them. I Purchase this engine used and have had it for about 15 years and it has always run The same!

 

[racerone]

Timing on these motors is fixed / set at the factory.----Needs no adjustment unless someone molests the linkages.----Best run to a shop and have this issue sorted out.

 

[Fish65]

Timing on these motors is fixed / set at the factory.----Needs no adjustment unless someone molests the linkages.----Best run to a shop and have this issue sorted out.

I’ve been working on outboard motors for over 30 years mercury for a multitude of people Johnson ,Evinrude,Chrysler never ran into an issue that I could not fix until this motor. But I’m thinking it’s the CD2 just didn’t want to spend the money for a new one lol.

 

[racerone]

Well , I started on outboards in 1968 !-----These motors are easy to fix.