1976 55 Johnson How do you adjust timing

[Joesnowmobiles]

Hi all, I have a 55 horse Johnson outboard motor that does not run it turns over fine and once every 8 spins or so it backfires and then continues to spin without starting, Is my timing off I used my timing gun and it seems to be getting spark off both plugs. I just dont have any idea how to adjust the timing, can someone please help!

 

[clanton]

Re: 1976 55 Johnson How do you adjust timing

Turn flywheel to 0 or top dead center, see if top cylinder piston is at top, may have broke flywheel key.

 

[Joesnowmobiles]

Re: 1976 55 Johnson How do you adjust timing

I replace the flywheel and key also the timer base already because I thought that was the problem. So the key is not stripped out it is lined up with flywheel and shaft, other than that how would I set the timing if that was it. Or could it be the stator? And thanks for your help it is appreciated.

 

[G DANE]

Re: 1976 55 Johnson How do you adjust timing

Is it CDI or Piont ignition. If it is Piont ignition you or former owner can have turned cam upside down. Cam is marked with setting instruction on upper side.

 

[Joesnowmobiles]

Re: 1976 55 Johnson How do you adjust timing

I am not familiar with cdi or points what would these look like and what is the cam you are talking about? Is it possible this could be a fuel issue it was running but then died out and I couldnt get it started again. It would only backfire every few spins.