78 Mercury 402 timing adjust

[Burris87]

Hi I'm new here and I was hoping someone knows how to properly set the timing on a 78 402 Mercury 2 cyl. I discovered a Killswitch wire voltage so disconnected it and go it fired up finally. Then started advancing the timing which was off till the Mark lined up and it's still idling at 1800 rpms. Hitting on 5 degrees like it said in the manual but idling at 1800. What am I missing? The throttle plate is closed. Any help would be appreciated thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

1) you will get a lot more detailed and faster response if you posted your question in the MERCURY forum. 2) Any engine adjustments should be done with the engine in the water, not on muffs.

 

[southkogs]

Gotcha' moved. Welcome aboard.

 

[racerone]

The timing normally does not go out of adjustment on these motors.-----So you have to be very careful if you decide it MUST be the timing that is the problem !-----You also need to know that idle timing is where --- " throttle opens up "---And where the motor actually idles does not matter.