Timing an outboard on the trailer in the water?

[derek4325]

I have a 1976 johnson 135 that I bought last year. I have a service manual for it and I want to time it. The instruction says to time it at 20 degrees at a particular range of rpm in gear. I was always told the best way to time one is to have someone drive the boat while someone times the outboard so it's under load. I don't have that option and I don't think it's very safe anyways. I know they make the wheels to put in place of your prop but I really don't want to buy one if I don't have to. So is it possible to just back my trailer In the water to submerge the lower unit and just time it that way? That should be under load and I can get it to the rpm I need. Is there something I'm missing here? Is this a good or bad idea? Thanks. Derek

 

[interalian]

Just look at the sticky at the top of the page for the "Joe Reeves" timing procedure. You do it while cranking. Your battery needs to be tip top.

It's generally considered bad form to run your motor at WOT on the launch. Erosion, noise etc...

 

[derek4325]

Good idea! Maybe I'll try that. Thank you

 

[Chinewalker]

That, and a 135 with full push may launch your boat right off the trailer! I wouldn't trust lines, straps, hooks or cleats with that set-up...

 

[derek4325]

In that case could someone point me in the right direction on the Joe reeves method. I have never done that before and I can't seem to find it

 

[GA_Boater]

In the Top Secret Files right on top of this forum section.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...4008-joe-reeves-wot-timing-procedure?t=228183

 

[boobie]

If you use this method ( and it's a good one ) , hook up some muffs to the lower unit to run some water through the water pump while cranking it.

 

[Tim Frank]

Why do you want to time it? Is there a back story here that you have not told and you "need" to time it, or do you just think it is routine maintenance. (Hint: it isn't)
I've owned a dozen O/Bs over 40 years and none of them ever needed to have the timing messed with.
Could be a can of worms.

 

[derek4325]

Why do you want to time it? Is there a back story here that you have not told and you "need" to time it, or do you just think it is routine maintenance. (Hint: it isn't)
I've owned a dozen O/Bs over 40 years and none of them ever needed to have the timing messed with.
Could be a can of worms.

Well I mostly want to just check it for piece of mind. I have no reason to believe that it has been messed with but who knows. I bought the boat and motor at an auction last year so I have no reliable source as to where it came from.

 

[boobie]

Good answer !!

 

[Tim Frank]

I have no reason to believe that it has been messed with but who knows.

If it is running well, save your time and just go boating.

 

[Joe Reeves]

If it is running well, save your time and just go boating.

Excellent answer Tim. If that engine has been running for the boater for a few years without having a piston melt down... the timing's where it belongs.