Home Forum Ask A Member ignition timing

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  • #196900
    wrenchero
    Participant

      US Member - 2 Years

      hello all, i am working on a 1966 evinrude 3hp.i am replacing coils,points,etc.. is it necessary to set ignition timing.i recently purchased a coil locating ring and will be using it.how important is it to set timing ? does it make that much of a difference. i dont mind buying the tool if it will help my engines run better.thanks

      mn

      #196901
      dave-bernard
      Participant

        US Member

        just set your points. you will be fine.

        #196906
        frankr
        Participant

          US Member

          The timing fixture makes it possible to get the points set dead-on for ultimate timing accuracy between the magnets passing by the coil and points opening time. Points opening time is more important than the distance they open. Just setting them 0.020″ is “good enough”, depending on manufacturing variations and your skill. The tool is faster and easier, once you get through the learning curve.

          Conclusion: your choice.

          #196907
          crosbyman
          Participant

            Canada Member - 2 Years

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga1Cjymj6ms&feature=youtu.be

            basic concept….

            Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

            #196910
            wrenchero
            Participant

              US Member - 2 Years

              i watched the video.i understand how to adjust it and i think i’ll try it.the only thing i dont understand is where the armature plate has to be? full throttle?

              mn

              #196911
              phil
              Participant

                US Member - 2 Years

                Position of the armature doesn’t matter– it controls advance (spark relative to piston position). The cam, the magnet and the crankshaft/pistons are all locked together — you want to adjust the point gap at when the points are in contact with the highest spot on the cam (at least on MOST engines).

                http://www.omc-boats.org
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                #196913
                fleetwin
                Participant

                  US Member - 2 Years

                  i watched the video.i understand how to adjust it and i think i’ll try it.the only thing i dont understand is where the armature plate has to be? full throttle?

                  OK, I think you are referring to the timing fixture tool that you would need in order to fine tune the ignition system timing….This is something I’m sure you don’t have…. Setting the points to .020″ on the high point of the cam is “good enough” to get the engine operating reasonably well….

                  OK, I see what he did in the video…He used the flywheel to located the points instead of the timing fixture. But, your 3hp does not have any extra holes in the mag plate to pass that wire through for the ohm meter. The one thing the video does not show is the final running test using the timing light to confirm that what you set statically actually exists when the engine is running.

                  This is a very fine adjustment that is easily affected afterwards. Just tightening the terminal screw on the points afterward can affect the point gap/timing slightly. Slop in the mag plate will surely affect the timing. Torqueing the flywheel can affect its position and running timing as well…New points should definitely be set to the “advanced side” of the small grid to compensate for initial rubbing block wear.

                  I am certainly not downplaying the benefits of this fine timing procedure, but I think trying to do this will cause you more confusion and upset than it is worth. Set your points to .020″ on the high side of the cam, unless they are brand new points. Set the points to .022″ on the highest lobe of the cam if they are new to compensate for initial point rubbing block wear. I’m trying to remember if your flywheel has an access hole so the point gap can be checked with the flywheel installed, I’m thinking it does not. Once the points are set, rotate the crankshaft clockwise a few revolutions and recheck your work, just in case you were not on the highest point of the cam lobe. Be sure to spray a little electrical cleaner spray (that evaporates) between the point contacts when they are open to remove any oily/greasy residue left over.

                  Again, be sure you don’t cross the coil primary leads to the wrong set of points, or the timing will be off and it won’t run. Be careful to properly locate the coil primary/condenser/coil ground leads to ensure they don’t rub on the inside of the flywheel or rotating crankshaft to avoid more problems once you get the engine running.

                  • This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by fleetwin. Reason: addition
                  #196914
                  wrenchero
                  Participant

                    US Member - 2 Years

                    thanks for info

                    mn

                    #196923
                    crosbyman
                    Participant

                      Canada Member - 2 Years

                      since they are not needed for the adjustment you can remove the condensers & you will have an extra 2 holes to fish some small 22-24 gauge wire out from under the plate ..for your ohmmeter to connect to

                      one wire per point and measure to frame ground on the engine

                      you can use a small light bulb or piezo buzzer in series with a small battery but the meter is better to measure to resistance across the point contacts …you should read just about 0 ohms closed ….anything much higher indicates dirty points which must be cleaned with acetone or carb cleaner soaked on a small piece of paper or business car

                      🙁
                      just woke up… you don’t really need any holes….if….with the flywheel off you can just access the points and use the “high cam position” to make your adjustments

                      Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

                      • This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by crosbyman.
                      • This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by crosbyman.
                      #196926
                      crosbyman
                      Participant

                        Canada Member - 2 Years

                        see pictures…. if you are going to maintain oldies go to the url in the picture below above the red book

                        Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

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