Timing and Synchronization of 1982 Merc 200 Outboard

[bigshrimpin]

Also Harbor Freight sell a digital dial indicator that you can zero out . . . without sliding or turning the face. It can be modified to work. I'm in the process of moving, but when I get to MA . . . I can maybe do a little write up. SparesParts on this site is a mercury mechanic and might have some good insight or tricks to make a dial indicator or on timing the motor. The Merc Dial indicator is about $140.

One more thing . . . make sure you are running good fuel . . . run off a 6 gallon tank to be sure. I don't think this is fuel related . . . how long did you run the motor after it sank?

[spareparts]

allways had the merc dial indicator, it works real good, ferms the outboard expert here, I just read it from the manual when I do one( got too much crap in my head to remember it)

[cterrebonne]

im not too familiar with the 2.4's but what exactaly are you dialing in? there isnt a timing point on the block?

[THEFERMANATOR]

I don't know about outboard expert, but I do dabble with them a bit. I'm actually an outcast for finding TDC, I use a spark plug and have yet to be off. I insert a spark plug in the hole backwards and gently rotate it up until it touch's the piston dome and mark the flywheel, and then do the same the other direction. Take a piece of fishing line or something and cut it to the length in between the 2 marks, then fold it in half. Lay it up to one of the marks and rotate the flywheel until the end of the string lines up with the pointer, then set the pointer to the TDC mark on the flywheel. Hasn't let me down yet, and no special tools required. BS is the MERC guy here, I only play with em a little. I like my JOHNSON'S.

[spareparts]

I like my JOHNSON'S

DAmm! I was begiing to like you, now you go and say something like that. You do realize CTT is going to be all over that.

Seriously, that is a good way to find tdc, I do somethiing close to that when degreing in a cam on a motor. You can also make a dial indicator tool adapter using a compresion tester adaptor and any decent dial indicator, just drill it for a thumb screw, and ream the internal hole thru the adaptor for your dial indicator. You may still need an extension for the dial indicator for it to reach the piston depending on how long it is. I haven't checked, but someone mentiod Harbour Freight has a motorcycle timing set( which is what Mercury sells minus a few adaptors), I haven't checked, but if you need one. I would also check with central tool, and MSC. Check with a couple motorcycle shops to see where they got theres

[bigshrimpin]

Timing point is adjustable and it sits on the flywheel cover. You need to verify that .462 on the flywheel lines up with the timing mark . . . if I remeber correctly.

[tecoon]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am going to remove the spark advance module like bigshrimpin suggested and try THEFERMANATOR's method for the timing....hopefully I'll get lucky!

I'll post back with the results in a day or so.