quote Richard A. White:
Couple of things to note, one, the process you use was replaced by the timing tool as it was determined to be a far better approach to setting the timing. Also the tool that works for your motor, also works for motors between the 5-20 hp range including the souped up "25"hp which were 20 hp blocks. After a period of time OMC started incorporating the timing marks on the flywheel simulating the timing tool, to match up with the marks on the plate so one would not have to remove the flywheel at all to set the timing correctly.
Well,yes and no. Fist, the flywheel would need to have the inspection hole to access the points. Secondly, if you have ever tried using a light or meter with the flywheel in place, you found that the magnets passing the coil create a voltage that interferes with what you are trying to do. Thirdly, if you are speaking of doing as so many do, that is use the flywheel as a timing fixture, yes that works, but is somewhat bothersome as you have to lift the flywheel off to make every little tweak. Not a big deal, but you will often disturb the position as you do so.
I no longer have a dog in the fight, after making timing fixtures for years, and now turned it over to Richard. But let me say that once you have used the timing fixtures and learned how to do it, you won’t go back to the old way. The timing fixture makes the process fast, easy, and accurate. Fast, easy, and accurate—that is why the pros use them. Yes, there is the matter of initial cost, but isn’t that true of all the tools in your box?
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