link n sync with regard to elevation

[frznbtr]

I have a question.
I have a '62 gale sea king 60 hp. I sync'd the carb to magneto by the book. Then, I moved the linkage, and as I did this, it idled higher. The further I moved it, the higher it revved, I did this as far as it would go with the same result.
I boat down at about 8500 ft.(that's right,down. I live at 9100 ft.), and i'm pretty sure you must advance your timing accordingly. But I want to confirm that, and possibly find out how much.
What happened was the magneto bolts came loose and made it threw off the timing. Then I saw that the linkage didn't jibe with the book.
As it is set now, it runs sluggish.
And I'm also wondering if playing with the timing this way will do any damage.
Anyones help will be appreciated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: link n sync with regard to elevation

Never heard of changing timing based on altitude.As far as I know you can adjust the hi and low speed mixture and perhaps if needed do less pitch on the prop.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: link n sync with regard to elevation

I'm confused...what linkage did you move to make it idle faster/higher? The throttle advance plate under the stator, or the carb linkage? If the flywheel is seated correctly and torqued to spec, with the woodruff key in place and in one piece, the timing is correct. But the stator plate can be off if the bolts under the flywheel that hold it in place are loose. Is that what you mean?
I've heard of folks adjusting carbs for higher altitude by changing the jets, but not adjusting the timing. Maybe I just don't get around enough these days. If it runs sluggish with the loose bolts tightened back down and the magneto and carb in synch, chances are you need to readjust the high and low speed needles/jets on the carb. How are things under the flywheel...points/coils/condensors?

 

[frznbtr]

Re: link n sync with regard to elevation

The linkage is from the throttle & timing control shaft to the magneto. It's two bars that adjust by loosening two screws and sliding back or forth.
I shouldn't need to change the jets as this boat has been in this area for many years.
I don't know the condition of the points & all yet, but it ran better before I had this problem, before I saw the loose magneto bolts.

 

[F_R]

Re: link n sync with regard to elevation

Since I live at sea level, I don't know beans about high altitude adjustments. However, you mention it speeding up as you move the slotted bar. It should. Idle speed is controlled by rotating the magneto housing, which in turn changes the timing. As you advance the timing, it speeds up and at the proper time the carburetor also opens up.

The only timing concern is maximum advance at Wide Open Throttle. That is controlled by the belt timing. So.o.o.o, the question is do you have the belt timed correctly? Everything else as far as the timing goes, takes care of itself. You say you took care of the carburetor synchronization by the book.

BTW, I just got back from a vacation in Colorado Rockies. Hard for us flatlanders to breathe up there, isn't it?