'75 Evinrude 3-cylinder 70hp timing

[MikeKz]

Hey there,

In addition to bass fishing, I like to restore old lapstrake boats with outboards on them I've completely rebuilt the above mentioend motor (+.020 over pistons, rings, all new gaskets, carbs rebuilt, you name it, LOL). Trying to figure out how to time the thing. I fired it up set at WOT timing, it fires right up. I have a timing light, I understand #1 cylinder plug wireis required, but unaware of correct procedure. Any help out there?
Thanks much in advance, Mike

[ChampioNman]

Idle timing is in your repair manual.

[MikeKz]

thanks much for the quick reply Manual states 17 degrees, but not at what rpm...doesn't that matter (i.e., isn't that important)? Also, I thought perhaps there was a *safe* method of setting initial timing w/o being around the motor while on plane with boat on plane or running (like just cranking over the motor w/ plugs removed)...maybe I'm all wet, but this makes theoretical sense to me, but haven't found anything online yet.

FWIW, this motor has "electonic ignition" from the factory (no points to set, etc.), if that makes any diff.

Mike

[ChampioNman]

You static set it with a throttle stop at TDC on #1 piston and mark the Flywheel. The plugs are then installed and the motor started in a test tank with the proper test wheel installed. The base idle can be set in a tank in neutral using a tach RPM in neutral should be around 900 rpm. In gear rpm should drop to 750.
In neutral you will set your timing to the 17 * mark.

[MikeKz]

OK, gotcha, that makes sense. Thanks much!

[MikeKz]

Forgot to ask...do I need a spark tester set at 1/2", as the manual states? Can I just remove all 3 plugs, install #1 plug into timing light, then set timing (w/o plug installed)?

[ChampioNman]

Find TDC on #1 mark the FW. Install all the plugs and fire it up hook the timing light to #1 wire and adjust the idle speed timing screw.

[MikeKz]

Thanks, will try that tonight.