Re: Timing an engine
Yes. The Clymer manuals usually have such information in the front pages...Things like reading engine condition by plug appearance, and basic "how-to's " on timing, testing, ect, and basic carb priciples yadayada.<br /><br />But this stuff is not easy to start with zero wrench time in cars,or other mechanic werk. I'm not saying it's impossable, just hard to start from scratch. Most of the tools you will need are standard, off-the-shelf stuff, available at the nearest auto parts,hardware, or building supply stores. Of course, other tools are only available from the engine maker,and are absurdly expensive (for the most part) for what they are.<br />Most boat owners who do thier own maintainence, started by just aquiring the tools as they needed them, and many opt to make thier own or have the tool made . this category includes such tools as prop bearing carrier wrench, made out of a pice of 2" galvanized water ppipe. Maybee not as sturdy or pretty as the factory tool,but gobs cheaper.<br /><br />But back to timing. Timing on most outboards is largely linkage movement, and seldom "jump" time.<br />Unless someone has moved or adjusted this linkage, the timing is allready at factory settings,and a timing light will generally bear this out.<br />The plugs may be causing a problem that at first, would act like a timing issue. Switchboxes on modern outboards are computer-controlled,and for the life of me, I don't know why,as they are not as reliable as some of the older CD designs, which were also much more fuel-effciant (which was the excuse to computerise them)--Fuzzy logic, if ya ask me,but I digress.Suspect compressiojn and the plugs first,second, and the fuel delivery system third.<br />If the timing linkage has been futzed with,then yes, all bets are off.<br />Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
