Reply To: 1973 6Hp Evinrude Fisherman hard starting cold

[Don]

This brings up a good point….Usually, with the universal magneto, a sheared key will kill spark completely. But, using these modules eliminates the points, therefore the relationship between the flywheel/cam/crank is irrelevant when it comes to spark quality/intensity. But, the actual ignition timing will be affected. I’m not sure I understand where your flywheel hash mark falls in relation to the two hash marks on the mag plate. Both of those flywheel keys appear “sheared”, and will retard the ignition timing….Anywhere between the two marks is OK. But, in this case, like the CDII system, a sheared flywheel key will not show any different timing than a properly aligned/non sheared key. The keys you show in your pictures will retard engine timing, which may explain the running issues you are experiencing. I would put the standard key back in and retest, I’m thinking these issues will be resolved.
This is a good thread, using the modules can mask a sheared flywheel key….