Mercury 175 XRi timing

kls2020

Cadet
Joined
Mar 30, 2013
Messages
8
The info I found for setting the timing says to remove all spark plugs except #1 and crank the engine over with the throttle blocked at WOT (max advance ) . The timing specified was 20 Deg BTDC . My timing was @ 20 Deg so I didn't change it . I tried checking the timing again with all plugs removed and read 23 Degrees probably due to the fact that the engine was now cranking faster . Its probably "6 of one , half dozen of another " but I'm just wondering what the difference is . Is it a safety thing with having the the plug wire you're attaching the timing light connected to solidly grounded ? Any body know for sure? Thanks in advance
 
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