Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

[GatorMike]

I've been looking at Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure and plan on trying it out but there is one thing that confuses me. Maybe it is just the way I am reading it but I am having a problem understanding one line in the procedure. I copied the procedure below and capitalized the line I am not understanding.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong here.....I'm thinking all I need to do is remove the spark plugs, rig up the spark tester, set the throttle at full throttle, and hook up my timing light then all I would have to do is have someone crank the starter while I set the timing at 24 degrees before top dead center. (the timing for my engine is 28 degrees)

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Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure
for Johnson/Evinrude


Joe
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(Timing At Cranking Speed 4?)
(J. Reeves)

NOTE: If your engine has the "Fast Start" feature", you must disconnect/eliminate that feature in order to use the following method. The "Fast Start" automatically advances the spark electronically when the engine first starts, dropping it to normal when the engine reaches a certain temperature.

The full spark advance can be adjusted without have the engine running at near full throttle as follows.

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 OR THE FULL SPARK TIMER ADVANCE STOP SCREW (WIRE IT AGAINST THAT STOP IF NECESSARY).

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.

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?.

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.

No need to be concerned about the idle timing as that will take care of itself. The main concern is the full advance setting.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

The timer base is under the flywheel and rotates forward and hits a "stop" at the end of it's travel. You need to make sure that the timer base STAYS at full advance while the motor is cranking. If you don't secure it against the stop....it could start to back off and you'd time the motor incorrectly for WOT.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

Your quote "SET THAT TIMER BASE UNDER THE FLYWHEEL TIGHT AGAINST THE RUBBER STOP ON THE END OR THE FULL SPARK TIMER ADVANCE STOP SCREW (WIRE IT AGAINST THAT STOP IF NECESSARY)."

Where it says "OR THE FULL SPARK TIMER", it should have said "OF THE FULL SPARK TIMER". I'll check my original database entry to see if I goofed or not with that "OR" quote. (You goofed!)

EDIT: This is a direct copy/past from my database. "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)"

Nowhere in your post do you say what engine you have. However, I assume it does have a timer base and DOES NOT have the later model "FAST START" feature. If you have the fast start feature, another member will instruct you as how to disconnect it.

The timer base is the only component that moves under the flywheel. It is the component that advances the spark from full retard to the full spark advance setting. Watch it move as you apply the throttle. It must be locked up against the rubber stop that you will see on the end of the spark advance stop screw.

If it has a tendency to move away from the rubber stop, then use a piece of safety wire to keep it there.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

Well that is what I don't understand. Doesn't that timer base rotate with the throttle? If I roatate it all the way to the right and wire it down how do I set the timing? There is something I am missing here.

 

[wired247]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

I just disconnect the fuel line and run mine out of gas. Then I open the throttle all the way and crank it with the timing light on the mark.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

I guess what I am not understanding is what you are calling the full spark timer advance stop screw. I'm going to have to study this in the morning....something is not clicking in my brain right now.

 

[wired247]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

Its that screw with the rubber bumper on it that stops the spark advance lever. The one you use the screwdriver on to adjust max timing. Screws into the manifold on top.

 

[atktom]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

Hope Joe is still monitoring this thread, my question is why do you remove all the spark plugs and why do you need to attach or rig up a spark tester, I am fixing to try this procedure as soon as I get a timing light. Thanks in advance for the info, I had to read about 20 times before I understood it, but I am old and slow, thanks again , Tom..

 

[rtek816]

Re: Joe Reeves WOT timing procedure question

atk,
You rig the spark tester so you don't damage any of your ignition components as well as to be able to read the spark from the #1 cylinder. You remove plugs so the starter can spin at it's max RPM.