Reply To: 1972 85 hp V4 water circulation?

[Don]

Not sure I understand what you are asking about with the timing grid(s), perhaps if you posted a picture…..Once again, there is no “idle timing” setting for this engine, the 5 degreeBTDC setting is checked when the throttle cam line bisects the throttle roller.
Try sliding the rubber sleeve back on the tan lead, then grounding it with the key on, perhaps you are not making a great ground connection.
And yes, the WOT timing has to be checked with the engine actually running at WOT. Impossible with ear muffs, very dangerous while driving the boat, the best/safest method is backing the boat in the water with a test wheel, which I’m sure you don’t have. You haven’t disturbed the WOT timing screw setting, so I would leave it alone. If anything, I would just turn it inwards a couple of turns to retard WOT timing just slightly.