Timing and Synchronization of 1982 Merc 200 Outboard

[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.