Seeing many OBs with fully-retarded timing?

[ledgefinder]

I fix up a few outboard motors as a hobby. Four of the ten or so I've seen in the past year have had the advance screw fully extended (3 OMC V4s and one Merc 500). I assume some shops retard the ignition a bit to give these older motors a little margin of safety. However, we're talking I'm guessing >20 degrees on some of these - seems like that much retard might actually heat the thing up. <br /><br />I think it's WAY too much of a good thing, & that 4 degrees or so is the point where more isn't doing you much good. Further, I think that the full retard setting is poor practice. Any other opinions?<br /><br />Snow & ice settling in up here - only thing to do is a few powerhead rebuilds & keep the mice out of the motors...

 

[Waterbugtoo]

Re: Seeing many OBs with fully-retarded timing?

We run across that dilema all the time. Most dealers around here never set up a motor out of the box. Owners have not a clue of this fact, and sometimes ends up costing them lots of money. I can't count the number of times we've had boats in for poor performance, stuck rings, low compression, fouled plugs, and so on, all due to the dealer never setting the motor up as required.<br /><br />

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Seeing many OBs with fully-retarded timing?

Ever think the owners may have be messing with their own engines. Naw, an owner wouldn't attempt to repair their engines before bringing it in for repairs. Never happen!! Least they never own up to it.

 

[Waterbugtoo]

Re: Seeing many OBs with fully-retarded timing?

I dont think most owners have orange wax to put back on after they fiddle.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Seeing many OBs with fully-retarded timing?

Hey Ledgefinder, I'm in Beverly Mass, where you from? Just posted about my VRO pump, carbs may be next, then maybe timing/high speed stator will have to be looked at(?) And I'm a rookie. Just can't get my 85 120 Rude to run over 3200 rpms, it starts running up and down then quits out. I need the speed! Year round boater.<br /><br />mtowey@analogic.com