Re: Timing help on Mercury 3.0L V4 and plug wire order
Trying to figure out how to set the timing on a 3.0L V4. starting from scratch. How do you set it into "base mode" and the firing order I know is 1,3,4,2, but I also need to know where 2 degrees Above Top Dead Center is according to the timing mark and gauge behind the alternator. Can someone please confirm where #1 plug wire begins on the distributor.
View attachment 103236
Thanks for ANY help.
Base mode is critical, and missed by too many.
You start by:
Connecting your timing light to the #1 spark plug wire.
Start your engine and let it idle until your reach normal operating temperature.
Install a jumper wire between the two WHITE leads on the distributor. Make this jumper with some 16 ga. wire and two male bullet ends.
Bypass the shift interrupt switch, as follows:
a. Disconnect wires at shift interrupt switch.
b. Temporarily join the engine harness wires together.
Aim timing light at timing tab, located on the timing gear cover and crankshaft torsional
damper.
Adjust timing by loosening distributor clamp and rotating distributor body as required
until timing mark on damper or pulley lines up with the mark on tab specified in
?Specifications.? Tighten clamp and recheck location of timing mark.
Stop the engine. Torque distributor hold down bolt to 20 lb-ft (27 Nm).
Reconnect the two wires to the shift interrupt switch. VERY IMPORTANT!
Remove jumper wire at distributor white leads.
With timing light still connected, start the engine and run at IDLE. Verify that timing did
advance to :
? If initial timing is 1? BTDC: 12? BTDC, plus or minus 2?. At 2400-2800 rpm maximum
(total) advance is obtained and should be 23? BTDC (plus or minus 2?).
? If initial timing is 1? ATDC: 14? BTDC, plus or minus 2?. At 2400-2800 rpm maximum
(total) advance is obtained and should be 25? BTDC (plus or minus 2?).
? If initial timing is 2? ATDC: 15? BTDC, plus or minus 2?. At 2400-2800 rpm maximum
(total) advance is obtained and should be 26? BTDC (plus or minus 2?).
