Setting the timing, need help

[Cbates85]

Just changed my powerhead on a 97 evinrude 60hp outboard, and had to swap the flywheel ect over, does anyone have how to's on setting the timing

[boats.net]

You will need to use a timing light and check it at full throttle.

[phillnjack]

oh yes i know
been there recently and had to do mine.

betwwen the car and the main throttle lever that comes from the cables you need to disconnect that from the carb linkage.
with carb butterlys closed you check the timming for idle and set to the proper timing degree's for your motor. (2 to 4 degrees ATDC).
Now once you have that done you can simply do the max advance.

the way i done mine recently after it was simply explained is to have the engine running at idle speed nice and warm.
with the controls all fitted just leave the engine in neutral and it will be at idle speed with carb butterflys shut.
Now at the top just under the flywheel is where the throttle lever attaches by a plastic ball fitting.
simply disconnect this and use a piece of stiff wire or coat hanger to pull that round to its stop when your ready with the timing gun.

on the flywheel make a nice white mark at 17 degree's BTDC and also make a nice white mark on the timing pointer above the number 1 carburettor.
now this could be in the position but i will get to that in a moment.
with engine at idle simply put the timing light on (connected to the top plug ofcourse) and aim at the timing mark on engine, now keep the light there and pull round the stiff wire/coat hanger attached to the max advance timing lever, it needs to be on the 17 degree mark, if not stop engine and simply screw in or out the stopper under the flywheel on the starter side, this also has a locking nut to keep it from ever moving once set. it realy is that easy to do.

now being as you have swapped powerheads or things have been altered, the
timing pointer on top of the inlet manifold could of moved and be in wrong place.

so to be 100% sure .
you need to know exactly where tdc is, and this can be done again simply.
you can buy the right tool for this or make it yourself easy.

what i do is simply put a screw driver through number one plug hole and ease it down with the flywheel turning by hand untill at its lowest point.
this is 180 degrees in the wrong place so i simply mark this on the flywheel and put a straight edge from that mark to directly opposite.
this will be tdc. and then set the pointer to suit.

any probs with my description just ask and ill try to clarify with pics or vids etc.

phill