1988 force 50 timing help plz

[russ67chevelle]

507X8c model.i have throttle linkage adjusted so when wide open throttle condition,butterfly in carburetor is horizontal.next,trying too set timing....

There are three lines next too each other and one separate line(about 2" away)on flywheel.i own a standard and dial advance timing gun. Read online to set total timing with throttle wide open at. 28Degrees.I'm getting either 5 or 50 degrees reading on my dial back timing gun.I'm using top cylinder to time....what am i doing wrong? Ty in advance!

 

[Jiggz]

First you need to determine the zero degree mark on the flywheel. Usually, this is the single mark by itself on the flywheel. Verify using a screw driver placed on the top cylinder plug hole. With the top piston at its highest point the screwdriver should also indicate its highest point And this should be indicated by the mark on the flywheel. Next the three lines next to each other are usually the 28-30-32 degree markings.

You will do what is called static timing. Using a conventional inductive timing light, connect the signal wire to the top cylinder plug wire (make sure the power wires for the timing lights are properly connected to the battery or other power connections). Use a jumper over the neutral switch (unless you have a remote starter) to be able to crank over the engine. Place control throttle in WOT position. Keep the plugs uninstalled but needs to be grounded (you do not want the engine to start or worse yet to run at WOT). Unless you have a remote starter this is best done with a second man. Aim the timing light to the flywheel (where there is a stationery pointer with the flywheel behind), and crank over the engine. Setting should be at 30 degrees or the middle mark. If adjustment is needed, make sure you adjust with the timing towershaft at the top located just behind the stationary plate. It has a lock nut that needs to be loosen before you can turn it to make adjustments.

Under the sun it is very hard to see the timing light. Working under the shade is preferred.

 

[jerryjerry05]

IF???? You didn't turn any screws or adjust and connectors the timing won't need any adjustment.
My 88/85 were set and have never needed any adjustment.

 

[russ67chevelle]

Ok,i used an advance dial timing light,set to zero,set adjustable arm to read 28? which is the right most of three marks.used the dial to get reading of tdc and it was needed dial to be at about 57?.... something dont seem right

If i set dial on gun to 28 degrees and adjusted timing arm to make Mark line up on flywheel tdc mark,it'd be shorter about 3/4" which i believe to be wrong...

Can someone shed light?Ty

 

[Jiggz]

" . . . and it was needed dial to be at about 57?.... something dont seem right"

What does the above statement means? What is needed dial?

Please do yourself a favor and use a conventional non-dial adjusting inductive timing light. Or if you really prefer to use the dial adjusting light make sure it is set to zero. Now for the steps to do the timing verification.

1. Using a screw driver or a dial indicator gauge on the top cylinder, verify TDC. See above post for specifics. If you cannot "zero" the TDC on the flywheel mark to that of the top cylinder, most likely the shaft key on the flywheel may have been sheared. YOU NEED TO COMPLETE THIS STEP BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER.

2. After step 1, you need to put the motor back together and prepare it for static timing (non-running mode of timing) including the timing light. Install jumper on the neutral switch to allow you to crank over the engine. Uninstall the plugs but keep them grounded (at least the plug on the top cylinder). Place control throttle at WOT position.

3. Aim the timing light to the stationary timing mark. Again, unless you have a remote starter this is better done with a second person. Crank over the motor and watch for the timing light to see where the stationary mark is aligning with the flywheel markings. 30 degrees is the desired position which is the middle marking amongst the three markings next to each other. DO NOT USE THE DIAL ADJUSTER ON YOUR TIMING LIGHT TO SET THE TIMING. INSTEAD USE THE TIMING ADJUSTING ROD (LOCATED ON TOP OF THE TIMING TOWER JUST UNDER THE STATIONARY MARKING UNDER THE FLYWHEEL).

4. When set tighten locking nut on the timing adjusting rod. Place Control throttle back to neutral and replace plugs. Test ran the motor and see if runs smooth.