1978 55 HP Johnson, timing advance

[Virginiaboater]

Greetings!:<br /><br />I recently inherited a 1978 55 HP Johnson outboard. My father kept the owner's manual with the motor, so at least I have that. It would have helped more if it had been a shop or repair manual, but you take what you can get. <br /><br />My question is: What is the long screw and rubber stopper that is just under the left side of the flywheel (when looking at the motor from the front) for? This screw was on my father's work table when I picked up the motor, so I have no way of knowing how much to screw it in to its sliding plate under the flywheel. <br /><br />I think this screw and stopper are for timing advance, but I'm not certain, and my limited manual doesn't mention it. Following the manual, I have set up the carburator, throttle and shift linkages exactly as the manual showed in its diagram. As far as I can tell (checking idle, mid and full throttle RPMs), in the water, the motor seems to work all right. It's a little small for the boat it's pushing, but I can live with that. RPMs are fine.<br /><br />Any suggestions on how to set this screw?<br /><br />Eric

 

[rayjay]

Re: 1978 55 HP Johnson, timing advance

That is the full advance limiting screw. You need to set the timing at 19 degrees. Do a search on this site for more info. You should be able to find a factory manual on Ebay.