question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

astampfel

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
100
I'm going to try Joe's procedure this weekend. But, I had a question on the step about removing the spark plugs. Do I need to remove the plugs, or just disconnect the wires going to them? If I leave the plugs in the engine, will the extra compression give me bad results?
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

Remove the spark plugs so that you will absolutely have the proper spark being applied every revolution (without skipping) for proper timing light operation. Also, it's best to ground the plug wires to avoid any possibility of sparks igniting any fuel being blown out of the plug holes.
 

astampfel

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
100
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

Thanks Joe! I think I'll be trying your method after work today. My gf is against either adjusting the timing while running at 40 mph on the water, or running the boat at 5000 rpm at the ramp (where is her adventure?). I agree with her, but I just want to boat to run great and start reliably when I turn the key!
 

astampfel

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
100
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

I tried the procedure but no luck :(. At starting speed, it was difficult to see the timing mark (too slow). So, while in the water, I revved my engine to 4000 RPM and set it at 24 degrees (4 less than what the book says). I was running full out and hit about 37 mph and the boat was smooth, so I'm really thinking about trying to set the timing at full speed. I'll keep you updated.
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
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13,262
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

Bet you didn't paint the timing mark with white paint..... makes it very easy to see.
 

oldslowandugly

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 12, 2010
Messages
98
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

I just used Joe's method yesterday and it worked great. A dab of White-Out highlighted the timing mark perfectly. Thank's for the great tip!
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

i use white fingernail polish. works great and dries quickly.
 

astampfel

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
100
Re: question about the Joe Reeves WOT spark advance procedure

I'm going to try it again with the white paint. Since everyone is having such good luck, I must be screwing something up. I'll keep you posted.
 
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