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Engine Timing

I

ievery

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I have a Volvo Penta 4.3 GL. I am trying to set the base timing. I have the plug to turn off the electronic spark advance. My didtributer has 2 plugs. 1 has the engine wiring plugged into it and the other has a rubber cap on it. Do I unplug the existing one and plug my jumper into that one or the other one with the cap?
 
I dont know much about volvo penta,but i would get a manual before you start bjumping wires or you could cause alot more.Make shure before you do this or it might get very costly.
 
Yes.... ditto that advice, and see your OEM manual for setting BASE mode.
Also, you may want to varify your TA (total advance) dynamically!
Ignition induced detonation can be very destructive to a Marine Gasser!

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Volvo EST Timing Procedure
Procedure for setting Initial Timing on Volvo's using the Delco EST distributor.

The timing procedure for Volvo Penta engines that use the Delco EST distributor.
Thanks goes to Bill Sprague, (VP Rep) for tracking down the correct answer.
It appears the manuals state to hook up the B+ wire before starting the engine, and a service bulletin changed it to "after the engine is started" for a few engines, but not all. Even the newest manual has the wrong method of setting the timing.
Below is the Proper Procedure for setting the timing.

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In order to set the ignition timing you will need a special tool p/n 885163 (Initial Timing Connector), timing light with inductive pickup..

Set Timing as follows:
1. Start and run the engine until it reaches proper operating temperature.
2. Connect timing light to #1 spark plug wire.
3. Remove the blind plug and install timing connector p/n 885163 onto distributor. Attach the alligator clip lead to a B+ source.

NOTE:
The Alligator clip lead of the Initial Timing Connector must never be connected to a B+ source until after engine is started. This is necessary to avoid damage to the electronics of the ignition system.
When the B+ source is connected, the engine may reduce RPM. If engine stalls and must be restarted the lead to the B+ source must be disconnected.
4. Loosen the distributor retaining clamp and rotate distributor until the correct ignition
timing is obtained and tighten clamp to 20 ft./lbs..

Here is a portion of a Volvo service manual covering the EST distributors use on 3.0, 4.3, 5.0, and 5.7 engines. Includes some typical timing specs. which will be handy for those that install an EST distributor in place of other type distributors.
http://www.4shared.com/file/25364193...Delco_EST.html

Hope this helps a bit
 
Glastronator, I have a similar, timing problem on a 4.3 and tried to click on link you provided, and says this link is not availible, and chance of emailing or reposting it? I tried to set timing on a 93 ignition system and cannot get a steady reading, engine is detonating under load, please advise, thank for reading.
 
floridakj said:
Glastronator, I have a similar, timing problem on a 4.3 and tried to click on link you provided, and says this link is not availible, and chance of emailing or reposting it? I tried to set timing on a 93 ignition system and cannot get a steady reading, engine is detonating under load, please advise, thank for reading.
Click to expand...
This is my reason for always checking TA after BASE advance is set.
BASE is BASE, all day long, all week long.
We fire on BASE, and we idle on BASE only.

Your progressive advance and TA is of much more importance, and WILL cause Detonation when excessive!
 
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