2003 Mercruiser 5.0 mpi timing spec?

PRC7020

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Apr 30, 2022
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Does anybody know the setting of how many degrees before or after TDC I should set the timing for a 2003 Mercruiser 5.0 mpi? I can't seem to find the specs on this! Thanks in advance.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
There is no specification that you set it to. Just set the distibutor up as per the book and the MPI ECU deals with it. When you do a print of the ECU parameters it will show what the factory has set it to, and the ECU will run it at that...
 

PRC7020

Recruit
Joined
Apr 30, 2022
Messages
3
There is no specification that you set it to. Just set the distibutor up as per the book and the MPI ECU deals with it. When you do a print of the ECU parameters it will show what the factory has set it to, and the ECU will run it at that...
When I check it with the timing light, it shows the mark on the crankshaft at TDC with the harmonic balancer. I was told a few different things; that it should be at 5, degrees before TDC, 6 degrees before TDC and 8 degrees before TDC. Are you saying that it will auto adjust? If so, that would be great! Thanks for your help!
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Dump the info out of the ECU and check what it should be...
 

QBhoy

Fleet Admiral
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Mar 10, 2016
Messages
8,348
Hi. As said. You don’t technically set the timing that way. There are two lines on the distributor assembly area. You line it up between them and the ecu takes over the job. As long as it’s on the right rotation obviously
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,337
Connect a laptop running Diacom software and read the ECU information...
That is swell information, but OP only has a timing light afawk. No mention of runnability issues, troubleshooting, work performed or audio warning indicating a fault. We don't know if OP has diacom, access to it or even owns a laptop.

I know that the HVS (flat GM cap) igniton system does not require the operator to check/set timing the conventional way and I'm quite sure you do as well. OP most likely does not know this and is looking for some help. Let's give them some pertinent info regarding their question and leave the esoteric troubleshooting for later if the need arises.

FYI the info you posted from diacom which I guess is from your personal equipment does not indicate a timing spec....

To OP:
The info provided by the previous members is correct, you do not need to check/set timing the conventional way. The ecm does this automatically as long as the distributor is installed and set correctly if/when is has been disturbed. There is a procedure outlined in the oem manual for initial distributor setting if it has been disturbed, however if your engine is running/performing correctly there is no need for this procedure
 
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