Ignition timing on Johnson 60Hp -89?

[rcgt78]

Hi there!<br /><br />I believe the timing is wrong on my Johnson 60Hp <br />-89. <br /><br />The engine runs otherwise fine but it seems that the maximum power is missing. I have rebuild the carbs and noticed that it now runs better on idle but at WOT it's pretty the same as earlier. I have tried different pitch props and it doesn't help, still I have to try a 19" OMC prop.<br /><br />Everytime I run at high speed the engine will run very bad afterwards at idle and low speed. Doesn't it burn all the fuel it gets and makes the plugs all wet? <br /><br />Could it be the timing that isn't enough advanced at WOT? It should be 18 degrees BTDC. I read in the manual that after a power head rebuild the timing should be retarded about 2 degrees, and I think that this engine has been rebuilt before I bought it. Would bad timing also let gasoline stream out from the front of the carbs (wrong way!!)? <br /><br />Any advice on how to measure and adjust the timing? I don't like to run at full speed and in the same time measure the timing with a timing lamp! <br /><br />Any tricks out there?<br /><br />B.R.<br />Robbi

 

[OBJ]

Re: Ignition timing on Johnson 60Hp -89?

Robbi....the below procedure was posted several times by Joe Reeves and others. It should help you check the WOT timing.<br /><br />(Timing At Cranking Speed 4°)<br />(J. Reeves)<br />The full spark advance can be adjusted without have the engine running at near full throttle as follows. <br /><br />To set the timing on that engine, have the s/plugs out, and have the throttle at full, set that timer base under the flywheel tight against the rubber stop on the end of the full spark timer advance stop screw (wire it against that stop if necessary). <br /><br />Rig a spark tester and have the gap set to 7/16". Hook up the timing light to the #1 plug wire. Crank the engine over and set the spark advance to 4° less than what the engine calls for. <br /><br />I don't know the full spark advance setting your engine calls for, but to pick a figure, say your engine calls for 28°, set the timing at 24°. The reasoning for the 4° difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition componets, the engine gains the extra 4°. <br /><br />If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4° which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage! You don't want that to take place. <br /><br />No need to be concerned about the idle timing as that will take care of itself. The main concern is the full advance setting. <br /><br />Be sure to use your own engines spark advance settings, not the one I picked out of the air here in my notes.<br /><br />--------------------<br />Joe (30+ Years With OMC)

 

[rcgt78]

Re: Ignition timing on Johnson 60Hp -89?

Hi,<br /><br />Thanks for the information.<br /><br />I asked about timing at a couple of marine workshops and one said that the timing can't be adjusted and the other that "usually" the timing isn't wrong.<br /><br />This weekend I will first check the compression and then try to measure and adjust the timing with Joe Reeves method. Have to buy a timing light first and build a spark tester. <br /><br />Robbi

 

[Archangel2005]

Re: Ignition timing on Johnson 60Hp -89?

OBJ,<br />DUMB QUESTION, will my 1977 115 johnson set up the same way?<br />rebuilding them is easier than making them run<br />also, i'm assuming the motor will not be in gear, so how can you getthe throttle at full with out having her in gear? use the warm up level ?Tie off the throttle arm? only move the timing arm?<br />thanks for previous posts for me as i only have limited computer access but hours of boat access<br />

 

[rcgt78]

Re: Ignition timing on Johnson 60Hp -89?

Hello again,<br /><br />I have now checked the compression and got the readings 96/94/99 psi. So I think that these are OK when the differences are not more than 10%, but aren't they a little low? What should the compression be on the engine (Johnson 60Hp -89)?<br /><br />Any ideas about the compression? Should I try to decarb (newer done it before) with OMC Engine Tuner? <br /><br />Robbi