Timing procedure for a 1986 Mercruiser 3.0 litre with points ignition

[adcampbe]

Just had my 3.0 rebuilt. Got the engine back in the boat and the outdrive back on. Put the boat in the water and it started right up, with a little tweaking of the distributor cap, and ran fine as far as a fella could tell. I figured I should check the timing so got a timing light (I had marked the correct timing on the tab with chalk) but the "notch" on the pulley was never close to the tab. My mercruiser manual does not indicate that I need to jump any wires, but I find some timing procedures that reference jumping wires in the distributor and jumping the shift interrupter switch.

Do I need to make "jumps" to time my engine?
Should I set dwell, point gap, or adjust carb prior to timing?
Basically looking for the tune up procedure for an engine that has just been rebuilt.

Appreciate any help I can get.

 

[alldodge]

The 1986 had timing at 6 BTDC and a dwell of 28 - 34 degrees



Now you mentioned a notch, if you have a notch then your motor is either newer or the timing cover may have been changed

 

[kenny nunez]

Remove the spark plugs and turn the engine to # 1 top dead center and then look at the timing marks to see if they line up, the harmonic balancer may have slipped. If the marks line up install the plugs and check the points with a dwell meter, if your distributor is worn the dwell will not hold steady and the timing will never hold either. When the engine was rebuilt was the bushing in the block for the distributor replaced ? It will be a good idea to replace the points with a Petronics Electronic kit which will compensate for a slightly worn distributor.

 

[Scott Danforth]

no, you dont jump nothing

you service the points, then set and adjust the dwell, then set the timing

here is a tutorial on points

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...roubleshoot-a-points-ignition-system?t=335407

proceedure is the same for any motor with points. you must file points, set dwell, then set timing every spring when you pull the boat out of storage too, as the point contacts will oxidize from 3-6 months of non-use

 

[adcampbe]

Here are the pics of my timing marks. Is it strange that the timing mark is on a v-pulley? Can I set the dwell with a feeler gauge, or do I need a dwell meter?

 

[alldodge]

Yours is the same as the one I posted above, it just has notices.

The dwell meter is best to verify your feeler gauge settings. You don't have to have one but it is best

https://www.ebay.com/i/292503961671?chn=ps

 

[adcampbe]

Tonight I confirmed that the timing marks line up when #1 cylinder is at TDC. Tomorrow plan to install new points, rotor and condenser and find a dwell meter to set the dwell of the points. Then I will see if I can bring the timing in.

Thank you all for your help so far.

 

[alldodge]

Easy way to help set points, is loosen the distributor clamp bolt, then rotate the distributor to put the points in open position. Once set, then move it back to approx position, and set timing

 

[adcampbe]

Thanks for talking me thru all this. I put a new set of points in and found adjustment very touchy. On my old chevy you lifted a door on the cap and stuck and allen wrench into the points and could make easy adjustments. Anyhow, after about five tries, I got the dwell into spec, and then the timing came right in. I do have a question about my carburator, but I will create new post for that. Thank you!