Idle Timing Module unhooked?

[brandon6.0]

Hey guys i just noticed on my 92 Mercury 150 that the idle timing module is completely unhooked. Would this affect anything?

 

[wired247]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

Not really. I unhooked mine and the rev limiter. Now it pulls much harder past 5200 up to 6K. Make sure you time it to no more than 23-25 degrees WOT.

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

well see i just recently purchased this boat so im still learning and figuring stuff out on it. Im not sure where the timing is at. Maybe i should just hook it back up. Previous owner did away with the oil injection and i figured this was some alarm at first till i researched it. He also has the lil switch on shift linkage unhooked also that i think works with this module.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

Brandon, I would get a service manual before doing anything. I have heard many time that the Idle stabilizer should be unhooked, however, mine has behaved itself and I left it alone. I think the timing spec given by Wired is wrong for that V6 motor. I recommend verifying with a OEM Service Manual, before adjusting the idle pickup timing or the max spark advance.

 

[wired247]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

The timing spec in the book is right IF you are using the idle stabilizer. You disconnect the idle stabilizer, set the max timing to 22 degrees and then reconnect the idle stabilizer. If you are not using the idle stabilizer then the book isnt going to tell you anything because you arent following the book because you just disconnected the idle stabilizer. Get it? It will not advance at idle like it will if you are using the idle stabilizer nor will it it drastically cut the timing over 5300. 2 liter 150's are low compression motors and can easily handle 23-25 total timing at WOT. If you leave the 5600 PM rev limiter in place you will notice a fast runup to the limit and it will start popping when the rev limiter hits . Normally you won't get that because the idle stabilizer pulls so much timing out it softens the rev limiter action and slows the motor down .

Mine is also a 2.0 liter fat block 150 and I run 26 cc heads for 145 psi cold cranking pressure and 24 degrees timing with 92 octane with no issues. Standard 2.0 150 HP 36 cc heads with 110 lb or less cranking pressure will handle 25 degree timing at WOT at 5800 rpm until you get tired of burning gas.

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

yeah i just did a lil reserch and i should be shooting for around 24 degrees WOT timing without the module. People say with out it hooked up it seems alot stronger motor bc the controller is not pulling timing about 5300. ^^^ So u are correct Wired. Now, what should i be seeing at start up?

What brand timing light would work and not break the bank? I also, just did a link and sync. I noticed that i was not getting full throttle. Had almost a 1/4" left before fully open. Going in gear and throttle feels like butter now. I do have a manual that i have been using for everthing so far. Read that i need to check all cylinders for timing mark alignment with dial indicator and use the one that is the furthest advanced for the main timing setting. Does this sound right? Always thought just use #1.

My motor has been cavitating on take off around 3000 rpm. I have to back throtte off till it gets planed out. Only seeing 5000 rpm with a 24 pitch prop. Maybe prop is bad?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

He also has the lil switch on shift linkage unhooked also that i think works with this module.

With the module disconnected on this motor set the idle rpm as low as you can get it without dieing when put in gear. That switch changes idle timing when shifting so it dont bang in and out of gear.

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

Ok i am going to try and set the timing on this thing this weekend. Kinda new at doing something like this so bare with me a lil bit. Im doing away with the timing module completely (just one more thing to go bad). So, from my understanding i need 24* btdc WOT. Set at cranking speed or running in water on a load? Set the start timing any where from 0*-9* where it runs best at and set idle rpm to best idle. Is all this correct? Do i have to have all the spark plug leads grounded to something?

 

[wired247]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

First thing is verify your TDC on #1 with a dial indicator or something similar. Even a dial or digital caliper will work. You can check the other cylinders if you like but a low compression 150 isnt going to care if it gets 26 degrees on one cylinder and 24 on the others. Everyones got their favorite method but I just pull the plugs, ground the plug wires, open up the throttle WOT and have someone turn the key. I check with a timing light. Turning it over by hand doesnt tell me anything. No spark at the hand turning rpm or not enough to see without putting the plug wire in my mouth. Your idle timing is just going to be where it idles at 650-800 rpm in gear in the water.

You'll quickly find you want to sh!tcan the rev limiter too.

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

picked up a timing light last night. Even did the dial indicator check for .462. That checked out perfect. So all i have to do now is set the timing. My light has a dial on it for the advance. Am i able to use that with a boat advance? figured i couldnt. JUst new to me. SOrry for all the qeustions.

 

[wired247]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

No. Just crank it down to zero and use it like a standard light.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

Brandon, The timing specs for my '93 135HPV6 (2.0L), as well as the 150HPV6 call for 21*BTDC as max spark advance. This was from a Mercury Service Manual. That is for regular gasoline usage. You blow, I mean, set your engine anyway you want.

 

[wired247]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

The book recommended settings got thrown out the window the second he disconnected the timing module. The module does more than advance timing at idle if idle rpm drops. It also advances timing throughout the RPM range until it hits 5300 or so then it drastically pulls timing back until the rev limiter kicks in at 5600 IF it makes it to 5600 with that much timing pulled out. Mine wouldnt with a 23 pitch prop. Now it hits 5800-6000 without any problem but I don't use cr@p gas and I raised my compression to reflect that. 21 degrees as a base setting without the module connected means that you'll get 23-24 degrees timing with the module connected under 5300 RPM at WOT. Setting at 23-24 degrees WOT without the module is just replicating what the module does anyway. Set it at 21 degrees without the module and leave the module out and it will run poorly throughout the RPM range.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

brandon6.0 your motor does not have a rev limiter and only the 3.0 liter V-6's have one. This ignition system will retard itself 2? at WOT so set your max timing at cranking speed to 23? which will be 21? at 5000rpm and above, this is with module removed. The #93772 module which you should have retards timing up to 10? if motor rpm exceeds 5700rpm and advances up to 6? to 5700rpm. Setting it at 21? will only be 18? and that why it runs poorly. Also which 150 do you have as you could have a 2.0, 2.4 or 2.5 as they made a 150hp in all 3 sizes. The 2.5 can live with a little more timing.....

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

mine is a 2.5 model. I set the timing today. Its around 8-9* ATDC at idle. And 24* WOT. thing seems like a beast with it set like this. Gonna rechek timing and idle in gear in water and tweak WOT timing.

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

The previous owner had the module unhooked but did not have the timing tweaked to what it needed to be. This thing sounds and runs way better than it ever has.

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

Does the lil switch down by the throttle cable likage need to be hooked up? I think it works with the shift linkage.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

That switch advances timing 3? when shifted into gear, leave it unhooked also with module removed.

 

[Dukedog]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

mine is a 2.5 model.

EFI or XR6?

 

[brandon6.0]

Re: Idle Timing Module unhooked?

xr6 150 1992.

Went out to fire it up and look things over and no start. Starter want even turn over. Guess start solenoid went bad. Check on an old Ford truck type from Advance.