Setting Dwell and Timing

[ronjon444]

I just bought a 24' SeaRay with a 260 Merc. I understand there are special instructions to setting timing and dwell. Also, how often should this be done as I intend to change plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and condensor each spring starting now. Any input appreciated.

 

[achris]

Re: Setting Dwell and Timing

What year is the motor? If it has points and condensor then it's 1982 or older and the timing and dwell are set up the same as you would on a car engine. The specs are :<br /><br />Timing : 8 degrees BTDC (at idle, 650-700 rpm in forward gear)<br /><br />Point gap : 0.016"-0.019" (dwell 28-31 degrees)<br /><br />If it's electronic ignition (introduced during 1982) then there is no condensor or adjustment for dwell. The timing is the same as above.<br /><br />The 'service' interval I use for the ignition system components is as follows: (this is based on 100 hours use pre year)<br />Plugs : 2 years<br />Leads : 3 to 5 years (silicon or wire core?)<br />Cap : 5 years<br />Rotor : 5 years (electronic system)<br />Points, condensor and rotor (Kettering system) : annually

 

[ronjon444]

Re: Setting Dwell and Timing

1981 Mercruiser 260 and you are right, it has points and condensor. This is excellent advise and the recomended replacement schedule will come in handy.<br /><br />Any opinions on lower unit lube, I hear synthetic is the way to go but not sure I want to switch on a lower unit that is 2 years old.<br /><br />Thanks Ron Jon

 

[affa]

Re: Setting Dwell and Timing

Hi<br />If your distributor got weights, you should not idle over 600 rpms when you set timing.<br />Affa

 

[achris]

Re: Setting Dwell and Timing

For drive unit I use Mercury Marine's High Performance Gear Oil. It's a bit more expensive than the normal stuff, but will hold over twice as much water before breaking down if you get a seal leak. It is also recommended for 300hrs or 3 years and is the ONLY oil Mercury recommend for the later model legs.<br /><br />Chris..............

 

[ronjon444]

Re: Setting Dwell and Timing

I had the dwell and timing set and this Merc 260 runs good now (not bad for a 23 year old motor). I picked up a few MPH speed and the temp gauge used to read on the low end of the green now runs in the middle. Much better, thanks for the input.