1958 Evinrude Fastwin timing/points question.

Yanibm1

Seaman Apprentice
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Jun 1, 2015
Messages
38
I finished restoring this motor a few weeks ago and have been running it semi successfully since then working out little links here and there. Currently I'm trying to diagnose it dying while in low idle but that is sort of beside the point. While cleaning the points and making sure they are set correctly I returned to noticing these notches here in the flywheel and magneto plate. I assume they are timing marks and indicate when the points should open? I'm wondering if I can set the points to open at exactly that location using a timing tool with a multimeter, as seen online in a few videos. Here's some pictures:





I've marked them Top and bottom as they seem to correspond to the pistons at exactly their highest point of travel and what I assume should be when the spark fires or the points open?

I appreciate someone enlightening me on this and sorry if it's redundant or elementary. I've done countless hours of research on the rebuild and timing/ setting points but haven't found anything conclusive.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Yes those 2 hash marks on the mag plate are for setting the points with a timing fixture and meter/buzz box.

If new points, set the points to break when the timing fixture hits the first hash mark, if cleaning and setting old points, set the points to open when the timing fixture hits in the middle of the 2 hash marks.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
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Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
If you don't have a buzz box, or quality meter, you will need to disconnect the coil and condenser from the points before doing this.
 

Yanibm1

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Jun 1, 2015
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38
Ya, so I'll disconnect them and set the points for the exact moment continuity breaks when the flywheel mark is at the first mark on the magneto plate? The points are new but I'm having trouble getting them square to each other ? they are a bit misaligned.
 
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HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
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Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Correct. The pointer should be exactly between those 2 hash marks right when the continuity breaks for perfect points timing. This method is much preferred to using feeler gauge as you get it exact, and more important you get them to fire exactly 180 degrees apart for best idle.
 

bwkre

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 11, 2010
Messages
181
Righ on High Trim. I used this method on my 9.9 and 18 hp. Rechecked after with a timing light and both are right on. Best and easiest method in my opinion.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,885
Yes there are 2 timing marks on your flywheel !!-----Remove the flywheel and look for them.----Flywheel timing marks are not the same on all motors.------The timing fixture is nothing but a " dummy flywheel "---And you can use your flywheel to accomplish the very same results.-----You just have to lift the flywheel off to move the points with the cam screw !
 
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