A couple quick questions...

[cshirley]

On a Merc 470, I've read the timing should be set at 4 degrees BTDC. I've set the timing on a car before but I'm not sure how its done on this little engine. I didn't see a degree tab anywhere near the damper. I try to listen for it and I can get it timed in for starting nicely and then its not right warm or vice versa.

Also, the temp gauge is not reading, assuming a faulty wire. I checked the wire at the thermostat and its connected ok. how does this work, is power sent through this wire? How does the temp gauge get the reading?

Thanks!

Curtis

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: A couple quick questions...

There is no timing tab on that motor. There should be 3 raised lines cast into the cover directly above the harmonic balancer.
Standing in front of the motor and lookin down they are left 10 deg. center 5 deg. and right 0 deg.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: A couple quick questions...

The temperature gauge probably works by grounding through the block. Did you replace the sensor and use teflon tape or some other sealant? This will interfere with the signal on many sensors. Brass should self seal into cast iron without the need for any sealers.

 

[bhammer]

Re: A couple quick questions...

On a Merc 470, I've read the timing should be set at 4 degrees BTDC. I've set the timing on a car before but I'm not sure how its done on this little engine. I didn't see a degree tab anywhere near the damper. I try to listen for it and I can get it timed in for starting nicely and then its not right warm or vice versa.

Also, the temp gauge is not reading, assuming a faulty wire. I checked the wire at the thermostat and its connected ok. how does this work, is power sent through this wire? How does the temp gauge get the reading?

Thanks!

Curtis

Yes, 4 BTDC is the latest from Mercruiser. Use timing light with the adjustment knob on the back. Set it at 4/5 and then make sure your line lines up with the center line that is cast into the cover just above the balancer. There is no tab or anything like that. If you still have the points, you need to set the dwell first before the timing and make sure your idle is good as well.

 

[Don S]

Re: A couple quick questions...

Yes, 4 BTDC is the latest from Mercruiser.

It also depends on which distributor is installed. The Delco distributor has one setting, the Prestolite replacement distributor is different.