Ignition Timing Question

[julietbravomike]

Just so I understand...Just worry about setting the idle timing and let the module do it's thing.

Correct. There should be a published advance curve for whatever system you have. You can test the advance by running the engine at 1500rpm or so. It won't be fully advanced at that speed but you'll be able to see if it's working. It isn't good to run your engine over 1500 in neutral. Some Merc ignition systems have a special timing procedure to get into base timing mode, I think they're newer systems, not sure what you have, but I suppose it's possible you could have an upgraded ignition system. If you have one of these and don't do it correctly the timing will jump all around.

 

[scoflaw]

I still say he's got a springs and weights distributor. That product he posted up only replaces the points and condenser

Haody, why don't you take a good close look.

 

[Haody]

I still say he's got a springs and weights distributor. That product he posted up only replaces the points and condenser

Haody, why don't you take a good close look.

I'll take a closer look to see if there's anything under bronze looking piece. I'm hoping there something for me to grease up. I'll probably need to set the timing at idle back to 8 degrees and let the module do it's thing.

Finally got the link to work. This is my distributor.
https://goo.gl/photos/ukjPXQqySCYS2v2m9

 

[julietbravomike]

I'm pretty sure that rectangular thing with the numbers is an electronic ignition module. I don't think you're going to have any weights or springs. See link below - have no idea if this is the right part #. The later model Merc modules aren't like this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replaces-me...3-Indmar-556099-Ignition-Module-/191691272162

 

[Haody]

I'm pretty sure that rectangular thing with the numbers is an electronic ignition module. I don't think you're going to have any weights or springs. See link below - have no idea if this is the right part #. The later model Merc modules aren't like this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replaces-me...3-Indmar-556099-Ignition-Module-/191691272162

Yep! That is my ignition module. Might not be the exact part #, but that is pretty much the same thing. I think underneath is just a small rectangular box with the wires. I will need to double check once i figure out how to remove the bronze doohicky.

 

[julietbravomike]

Yep! That is my ignition module. Might not be the exact part #, but that is pretty much the same thing. I think underneath is just a small rectangular box with the wires. I will need to double check once i figure out how to remove the bronze doohicky.

Looks like that may be commonly known as the GM HEI 8 pin module. It's supposed to have two sets of wires plugged into it - surely yours did? If not, then you should find out why.

 

[Haody]

Looks like that may be commonly known as the GM HEI 8 pin module. It's supposed to have two sets of wires plugged into it - surely yours did? If not, then you should find out why.

Yep, has two plugs for it. So this being an HEI, then there's no weights and such then right? I'll try to read up more on HEI system. Not familiar with it.

 

[julietbravomike]

I think the 8 pin controls advance, so yeah probably no springs and such, but I'm not certain. You'd probably have better luck in an automotive forum for that specific question.

 

[scoflaw]

!st pic you posted uses springs and weights, 2nd pic you posted does'nt use them

So if it's pic #2 that looks like a thunderbolt 5 ignition module.

Why don't you post up an engine serial #

 

[Haody]

Thanks for everyone's input. I got it running pretty good now. The carb needed adjustment. I have it idling around 15 degrees and wot at 31. Im happy with the performance of it. Gonna leave it as is.

 

[becnme]

I know you said you had it running OK but if this is a GM HEI one of those wires (sorry I don't remember which one) needs to be unplugged to set the timing. an owners manual from that year of boat should say. They put a different control module in the off road applications.

 

[Haody]

I know you said you had it running OK but if this is a GM HEI one of those wires (sorry I don't remember which one) needs to be unplugged to set the timing. an owners manual from that year of boat should say. They put a different control module in the off road applications.

unplug something from the distributor? Tried Googling today, didn't see anything about that. My manual doesn't mention it either, but i think it's because this distributor isn't original.