Re: How Important is OMC Ignition Timing?

[Anonymous]

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What determines the final timing advance figure, when the engine is running at full speed?

The position of the magneto plate (the "stator")

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And no one has answered the big question – Why does the OMC timing tool exist, when the “timing” is simply a matter of aligning the magnetic TDC with the coil’s pole shoe?

Think of the tool as a "gap setting jig" it doesn’t control what you think of when you hear the word "timing"

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Why would you need such a tool, when the relationship you desire can be set with a ruler, or with a set of factory-applied marks?

Uh, the tool depends on factory applied marks. It’s just a pair of "pointer arms" to connect the crank position with the marks on the magneto plate.

If your ruler has a round hole in the center, with a slot for the crankshaft key, and ends which narrow down to a point and droop, you have your own timing tool.

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Does the OMC timing tool index on the magnet position, or on the crankshaft position?

YES (both). The magnet is in the flywheel, which is keyed onto the crankshaft.

To use the tool, you remove the flywheel, and put on the tool, while has a slot for the crankshaft key, just like the flywheel does.