My timing is drifting.

[artificialreef]

Hi again friends. I am trying to time my 1983 merc 470. I bought an old dwell meter on flea bay and set the dwell. Am now trying to set the timing. I get it to idle decent then go and bring the timing to close to the 4 degrees by rotating the dizzy and it gets pretty smooth but then runs away and the timing goes off from where i set it. Its like the timing is drifting. I am guessing maybe my advance weights/springs are goofy so i will look at them while waiting on a reply. Any easy way to check the advance weights/springs (not even sure if thats what they are called) Points are about 5 years ( i was 18 in 1980)before my time but i am vaguely familiar with them. Of note i also just finished a refurb of the 2 barrel mercruiser carb and was only the 2nd carb i ever rebuilt but i followed the instructions including setting the float height. Thank you for your professional advice in advance.

 

[cr2k]

Re: My timing is drifting.

Twist the rotor in the direction that the dist rotates (ford CCW/gm CW) it should turn smooth with some good resistance.
It should move about 15 degrees. If not remove your breaker plate and dist. cam, clean and lube (white or light coat of marine grease).
If a spring has broken or come off replace. weights should move freely.