Mercruiser 500hp initial timing

[Hy-Velocity]

Help???? I just have tried to installed the distributer back in a 2000- 500hp EFI engine. I did not remover the distributer so it was not marked. How do you go about setting the initial timing and how can you set the timing after the engine is running. I do not have a scan tool. Is it mandatory to have a scan tool to set the timing on this engine? Thanks for your help

[jdnca1]

You do not need a scan tool.....Jump the A & B pins on the dtc connector, this will put the motor in base timing mode...bring the motor up to 1200 rpm...set timing to 8 degrees and you are done.

Run it up to ~3500 to be sure the timing is coming in. You should see 36 degrees all in.

[Hy-Velocity]

Thanks JD, that sounds easy enough, just use a short wire or paper clip right. Now how do I get the distributer close enough in the block to get it to fire up. I set the timing mark on 8 degrees and set the rotor on number one and then aligned the magnetic tips in the distributer. I hope this is close enough to start. What do you think. Thanks.

[jdnca1]

Paper clip works great.. You should be close enough for the motor to fire.