78 S&S timing

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by TRBenj

IIRC, the pointer is closer than 1/4". I dont think the pointer/balancer can be viewed from a full 45 degree range either. Even if that is the case, having the timing off by 5 degrees would not cause the boat to degrade in performance to the tune of almost 1500rpm.

I will agree with you on that point. Not really sure how it would run at 0 advance or less. Sure wouldn't have much to it. Could throw the points back in to see if it comes back to life. Most likely caused by something ctjahn did during the EI installation.

I would confirm the timing is set properly
Double check wiring connections with the instructions. Which EI are you using?
Confirm firing order is correct.
Confirm all plug wire and coil wire connections are good.
Confirm choke is open.

[1redTA]

I just went thru the timing game on mine yesterday. It does vary a cOuple of degrees on the angle viewed. Holy parallax batman

[TRBenj]

Originally Posted by thatsmrmastercraft

Not really sure how it would run at 0 advance or less. Sure wouldn't have much to it.

I can tell you- not good! I learned that the first time I set the timing on my '71 Correct Craft... which has a standard rotation balancer on a reverse rotation engine. Runs like crap with initial set to 10 deg ATDC.

Originally Posted by thatsmrmastercraft

Most likely caused by something ctjahn did during the EI installation.

Agreed.

[thatsmrmastercraft]

[quote=TRBenj;849019]I can tell you- not good! I learned that the first time I set the timing on my '71 Correct Craft... which has a standard rotation balancer on a reverse rotation engine. Runs like crap with initial set to 10 deg ATDC. QUOTE]

There are two ways to learn........

[Philscbx]

You can easily tell moving it retarded anywhere near 0 or ATDC, it degrades instantly.
Firing after the piston is on the way down - just killed the whole process.

It can be done by ear just as well under load, by backing off the moment ping starts in advancing it.
Now see where the light hits after. Now it's tuned to the fuel used. Timing is 6 BTDC.
Granted if carb is 100%.

[ctjahn]

Originally Posted by TRBenj

IIRC, the pointer is closer than 1/4". I dont think the pointer/balancer can be viewed from a full 45 degree range either. Even if that is the case, having the timing off by 5 degrees would not cause the boat to degrade in performance to the tune of almost 1500rpm.

Yup. Pertronix installed. Still on vacation. Will re time it when I get home Saturday...

[ctjahn]

Originally Posted by ctjahn

Yup. Pertronix installed. Still on vacation. Will re time it when I get home Saturday...

Ok, re-timed it this morning... 6 Degrees looking top down. Sounded great in the driveway but as soon as I get it in the water at full song it falls off at 30 MPH. Next up is the plugs, wires, and cap... (which I dont think will make a diff but worth a shot before going back to points.)

What is the gap again? (with Electronic? 32?)

Cj

[liledgy]

Did u replace the coil when u put the petronix in? If u did, put your original coil back in. I was sold a faulty coil and couldn't get the boat to run right. Finally narrowed it down to the new coil.

[ctjahn]

Originally Posted by liledgy

Did u replace the coil when u put the petronix in? If u did, put your original coil back in. I was sold a faulty coil and couldn't get the boat to run right. Finally narrowed it down to the new coil.

Yes I did. I replaced it with the Pertronix Coil. Would that cause it to run fine except over 30 MPH or fall off with power around 3000 RPM?

cj

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by ctjahn

Yes I did. I replaced it with the Pertronix Coil. Would that cause it to run fine except over 30 MPH or fall off with power around 3000 RPM?

cj

A bad coil could do that. They usually either work or don't, but it is possible.