How do I set the spark advance on a 1970 Johnson outboard?
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I am assuming that the lever that moves with the throttle is the spark advance lever. If I am wrong please let me know. It is located just under the flywheel on the starboard side of the engine.
there’s another lever on it that adjust the spark advance,you loosen it up and with a 12 volt timing light adjust it to the proper timing mark,then go two degrees advanced on it this way it will run better and get better fuel economy,but the engine has to be idling at he right rpm,s so everything has to be right on it when you do this,i set mine a while back on my old boat,an it took 3 times to actually get it back in the right position,it will change about two degrees when you tighten the rod back down on it,that’s why i said advance it about two degrees that will make up for the amount of play it will have in it,yours may adjust from the bottom rod you mentioned,mine is 74 model so there shouldn’t be too much difference in them,make sure though you do this with the timing light hooked to no-1 plug wire other wise it will be way off,good luck with it.
2 Responses to “How do I set the spark advance on a 1970 Johnson outboard?”
Your 1970 model will have points/condenser/distributor.
The 1974 had electronic ignition.
Two totally different animals.
You *really* don’t want to do this without a manual.
Mess it up, you’ll be turning a great old engine into an anchor.
References :
there’s another lever on it that adjust the spark advance,you loosen it up and with a 12 volt timing light adjust it to the proper timing mark,then go two degrees advanced on it this way it will run better and get better fuel economy,but the engine has to be idling at he right rpm,s so everything has to be right on it when you do this,i set mine a while back on my old boat,an it took 3 times to actually get it back in the right position,it will change about two degrees when you tighten the rod back down on it,that’s why i said advance it about two degrees that will make up for the amount of play it will have in it,yours may adjust from the bottom rod you mentioned,mine is 74 model so there shouldn’t be too much difference in them,make sure though you do this with the timing light hooked to no-1 plug wire other wise it will be way off,good luck with it.
References :
been a certified mechanic for 37 yrs.