Adjusting timing... Is it really that important???

[JamesGY]

I just did a "tune-up" on my 1997 Force 120 this past week. I de-carbed the engine, changed spark plugs, changed lower unit oil, greased all the moving parts, cleaned the fuel filter, changed primer bulb, etc... (followed the speloc manual). All I didn't do was adjust the timing. Is this a really an important step? If so, how do I do it? I don't really understand the manual. <br /><br />Also, the cylinders' pressures before de-carbing were: 150, 155, 155, 160. Is this normal? I didn;t check what they were after decarbing.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Adjusting timing... Is it really that important???

The timing should not be effected by normal use. It will always remain set from the PDI that was done.<br /><br />TMD

 

[force01]

Re: Adjusting timing... Is it really that important???

You didnt understand your manual because all after market outboard manuals are no good. they try to cover all motors in same size manual that should cover one motor. If you want to do your own repair order a factory shop manual and throw that other thing in the garbage. As far as your tune up you didnt do the most important thing change your WATER PUMP!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Adjusting timing... Is it really that important???

I wouldnt throw that seloc manual away. The manual is well written and a great source for information. If your motor is running good dont mess with the timing. The impeller on your water pump should be changed but dont worry about that till next season. The more time you spend using your manual the more you will understand. Practice and mistakes are what will make you good at working on your motor. When you take something apart and cant figure how to put it back together the manual will make more sense.

 

[force01]

Re: Adjusting timing... Is it really that important???

EDIT:<br /><br />Bret: iboats sells aftermarket manuals designed for use by consumers.<br /><br />Please do not attack our sponsor's business.<br /><br />JB

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Adjusting timing... Is it really that important???

Seems kind of wierd force01. My chrysler service manual only has 82 pages and my seloc has over 500 pages. My chrysler manual does not go into details on how carburators work, why thermostats are important what effect compression has on motors, how to winterize my motor, troubleshooting steps and much more. My seloc devotes pages to trouble shooting that my chrysler manual does not even touch. The list does go on. I am not a trained mechanic on outboards and the clymer and seloc manuals are more suited for the layman than the actual service manuals.