Optical ignition analyzers...

[jcw74801]

I have a 1996 Johnson 150 looper with the OIS 2000 ignition. It appears that the optical ignition analyzer is a very useful tool for this system. However, they are $300 for oem and $200 for aftermarket (CDI) which is not really feasible for a shadetree mechanic with one engine.

I found several posts from a forum member, Seasport, regarding an inexpensive analyzer that he built and made plans available. His email is no longer valid and he has not posted in the last few years and I have found no details for his design.

Has anyone made their own optical analyzer for setting timing?

Posts that I have found regarding using a timing light involved doing so while running the boat at WOT on the water. Not I, thank you very much

I've been watching ebay but I really need to do some maintenance on my engine and this optical ignition and it's special tool requirement have me wondering how to proceed.

If anyone has built their own analyzer I would appreciate details.

thanks,
John

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Optical ignition analyzers...

Very few folks shoot the timing while the boat is actually under way. Most use a test wheel or shoot it while the boat is on the trailer, backed partway in the water.

It is possible that a timing light can mess up the sensor eye while you're shooting. We've used a timing light many times on an OIS ignition and never had anything happen but it is possible. However we use the analizer the vast majority of the time.

 

[Yamajoe]

Re: Optical ignition analyzers...

Mate, i found this piece on the net sometime ago, i pasted it on file, i dont have the details of the author, so credit has to go to the unknown (most prob he is an iboat member), but it relates to Opt timing for your motor, it worked for me when i did my mates 115hp last December.
all the best,

"The way I used to static time an engine after a rebuild or the distributor was out was take a spark plug and widen the gap real wide, like 1/4 inch and use a hose clamp and a piece of wire and strip the wire on 1 end and attach it to the outer part of the spark plug with the hose clamp and attach an alligator clip to the other end of wire to ground it to something like the block. Get your timing mark on your crackshaft on top dead center or even a little before that if you choose to try for the spec and make sure you are on compression stroke and not exhaust. This can be done while you have out the number 1 spark plug cram a rag or paper into the spark plug hole while you turn over the engine near top dead center. On exhaust stroke the rag or paper will puff out, but on compression stroke it will pop out even more. Then plug that test spark plug you just made into the number 1 wire and ground the other end. Next loosen the distributor hold down bolt just enough that you can turn the distributor and then turn the igintion key to the run position and while your timing mark is on top dead center on the compression stroke, turn your distributor untill the spark plug sparks. You may have to turn it quickly or search for it but when it sparks tighten down the distributor snug so it wont turn at that spot and install the plug. Start it up and then set it while running, but this should at least get you started. Remember to prime the oil pump!!! Tighten the distributor bolt. Good Luck

 

[Seasport]

Re: Optical ignition analyzers...

Hey I'm still around. Actually, it is hard to get access to iBoats from NZ now so I haven't been active for a while.

I'm happy to provide details of my DIY ignition analyzer. Email me at
Chris_C_Bowman@yahoo.co.nz for details.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Optical ignition analyzers...

Check around and find a 19 pitch V-4 prop. Cut exactly 1" off the ends of the prop. Drill small 3/16 hole in cup end.. TA..DA!!! Test prop that will run on trailer @ 5000rpm's. If need will post pic of mine..