timing marks don't line up '65 evinrude 18hp

[stephenspann27]

I've been working on this '65 18hp motor that I got in a non-running state. I recently got it running but it was misfiring badly. I installed new points, and condensers, and set the point gap to .20 thou. What is really confusing me is that if I install the flywheel and rotate the flywheel to where the timing marks line up, then pop the flywheel off, the points are not open, they are several degrees from being open. I've included a picture that shows how far past the timing mark the points actually open. What could cause this? The flywheel key seems to be intact.

http://i.imgur.com/e1fqLBi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lJePGGT.jpg

[Joe Reeves]

Your pictures are way too large. Keep them down to about a 1000 width with your editor. As they are, they screw the format up.

You're over-thinking a very simple procedure... Don't do that!

(Point Setting Of Magneto Models)
(J. Reeves)

Set the points as follows. Have the flywheel key aligned with the fiber rubbing portion of the ignition points. Adjust the gap so that a .020 gauge will p*** thru but a .022 will not. Should there be any question of the points being dirty (touching the contact with your finger would cause them to be dirty), clean them with a small brush and acetone or lacquer thinner.

NOTE 1: Should the operating cam have a small portion on it with the word "SET" imprinted, align this portion with the fiber rubbing portion instead of the flywheel key.

NOTE 2: Should the cam have the word TOP embossed on the top of it, that is a cam that could be installed upside down and this is simply telling you which side is up. It is not a position where one would set the points.

Thousands of parts in my remaining stock. Not able to list them all. Let me know what you need and I'll look it up for you. Visit my eBay auction at:

joe_omc32 | eBay

That's all you need to do. Don't be removing the flywheel again trying to find some extension to the point setting procedure.... there isn't any!

[stephenspann27]

(I'll try to fix the pictures)

Several people have told me the same thing, just use the feeler gauge. I have set the points that way but I just wanted to do the timing mark check for giggles. However, I can't make sense of why the mark is off. There are several guides online that show how you can set the points using the mark, and several youtube videos as well.

Here is one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNK2TEeQQv0


another: 3 HP Evinrude Lightwin Ignition System Tune-Up 1952-1967




I know I shouldn't be hung up on this, but the timing mark as at the point of the flywheel where current is generated, to see that location so far off from where the points are opening is concerning.

[stephenspann27]

It might be the the points are just starting to break at that timing mark, I understand now that that's not where they are at their widest point. http://i.imgur.com/oBO2hdY.jpg

[Joe Reeves]

Yes, it is at the timing mark where the points just start to break.... the breaking of the points is when the coil fires.

[stephenspann27]

I get it now. Thank you