timing a 74 15hp johnson outboard

[islander111]

I reciently was given a 1974 15hp johnson outboard that I wanted to get running for my nephew. Unfortunately I had to completely dissassemble and rebuild the motor as all the water passages were completely blocked with corrosion. So after new pistons, bearings,fuel pump, driver coil etc. and new paint job I got it lookind and running pretty good. My question is can I time this motor without having all the special OMC tools called for in the service manual. I can borrow a timing light but I have no experience in this department. It runs pretty good but has a delay when you throttle it up. The engine is a 15R74S. Would appreciate any help as I want this motor to be as reliable as possible before I let a 13 year old take it out on his own.

[316jughead]

Real simple, you will see two raised marks on the armature plate and one raised mark on the flywheel. Connect a timing light to #1 plug wire, start and run motor at 1000 RPM, point the timing light at the marks, when it flashes the mark on the flywheel should be centered between the two marks on the armature plate. Repeat procedure on #2. I think as long as the Flywheel mark is inbetween the armature marks you are OK.