Engine Timing

[sledhead67]

I have a 1976 85HP Evinrude 4cyl, in the book it says I need a test wheel ( which is no longer availible) to set the timing. Is there another way to do it, without the special tool and just a timing light?

 

[fmarando]

Joe Reeves had an easy procedure that I used on my motor.
Remove the spark plugs.
Put a spark tester on #1 cylinder and hook up your timing light.
Using your warm up lever advance throttle and timing until the timer base hits the rubber stop (fully advanced).
Have someone crank your engine over and check your timing with the light while the engine is cranking.
It should be 4 degrees less than the spec says because when the motor is actually running WOT it will advance more.
My motor is supposed to be 19 BTDC so I set it at 15 BTDC with this procedure.
I think this will work for you, hopefully one of the experts will agree.