inline 6 timing question

[Bill64]

I had a "no spark" problem the other day on my #1 . Found out when I tried to time the motor. I found it to be a problem getting spark to # 1 only when cranking but kicks in once started. I hope to get to the bottom of that soon. That being said.......I'm getting my info from a Clymer manual on this 86 inline 6 115HP and it gives timing as follows:
throttle primary pick-up 4-6* BTDC
throttle secondary pick-up 5-7* ATDC
max advance 18* BTDC
Can someone give me an explanation on "Throttle primary and secondary pick-up? Thanks once again!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: inline 6 timing question

Bill, Primary Pick Up and max timing are the only ones that matter. secondary pickup is set correctly once you get Primary pickup correct.

To set primary pickup, connect the timing light to #1 plug wire. Run or just crank the motor, and advance the motor until the timing is 3-4 Degrees BTDC. This is the point when the spark advance lever should just touch the top carb throttle plate actuation arm. In other words when the motor is at 3-4 degrees BTDC, the carbs should just start to open. There is an adjustment to make this happen.

The set the motor's max timing, usually we remove spark plugs 2-6 and tape 'em together and ground 'em. Now crank the motor and advance the throttle until timing is at max. Now adjust max timing screw to stop timing advance at this point.

Now reinstall spark plugs, fire up the motor and set the throttle cable and the Idle stop screw to the correct idle speed.