Re: Mercury 35hp Twin question

[david-bartlett]

quote BillW:

I don’t know if there are timing marks on the flywheel or not; but if not, here is what I would do.

Keep in mind that most outboards I have seen like to run at around zero degrees advance in the vicinity of where the throttle plates just start to open, MORE OR LESS, for those who will choose to debate. Not BTDC or ATDC. Also, the points usually will break, right as the magnetic flux is changing direction in the coil, in other words, more or less when the magnets are dead center over the coil. You will be using these two facts to align the holes.

Make sure points are set to .020.
Bring the top cylinder to TDC.
Move the magneto to where the throttle pick up just starts to open the throttle plate in the carb
Determine which coil and point set is for number one cylinder.
#1 point set should be very close to where it would start to open. Move the mag a little, if needed, to right where the points are going to open.
Place the outer flywheel ring over the mag so the magnets are squarely over the #1 coil laminations.
Place the flex plate on and drop the center hub on so it lines up with the keyway.
Align all the disassembled parts to the closest holes sets. It should be obvious at this point.
Index everything with a marker. Take it all off and reassemble flywheel properly. Do use some red loctite.

You have one chance in six of being right, anyway. This should get you to the right bolt hole locations without any trouble…..I hope I wrote this so it make sense to you.

Bill,

Thank you! I think I matched up the rust spots and scratches to put it back together properly but your explanation will make sure I did.

Thanks again.