need advice

[yasser]

Dear All

I have question regarding how to set timing for my engine and what's the best degree my engine is mercury hi performance 2.5 280 hp with 260 electronic any one have Idea to do this job .

please let me know
thank you for early reply
best regards
Yasser

[outasite]

To start the job, and do it right you will need a degree wheel,about the size of the flywheel,and a dial indicator that goes into a spark plug hole,that you can find TDC on all six holes.Round up the tools,and we will continue.------It can be done without the degree wheel,but on a 280 it's not worth taking a chance,there are a lot of cranks out there,that are 1-3 degrees out of phase.

[yasser]

I have the dial gauge and the timing light .
whats the first step
thanks for help
Yasser

[warriorcookie]

I have the dial gauge and the timing light .
whats the first step
thanks for help
Yasser

Timing light's not what you're looking for. You need a degree wheel.

like this:

[outasite]

If your not going to check all six crank throws,and take a chance that some are not in phase, then use the dial indicator and find exact TDC of #1 cylinder.Make a mark for the pointer,adjust the pointer to be exactly on the mark at TDC. Then rotate counter clockwise stop at .200 on the indicator.Then rotate clockwise and stop at .170 and make a mark, .160 make a mark,and .150 make a mark.Those marks are 27/26/25 degrees BTC. You can now check timing with your timing lite.throttle wide open, plugs out.And be sure to use a spark board.Just remember that this will only give you accurate timing on cyl #1 to be safe you should check all six with a degree wheel.In a perfect world the crank should be TDC every 60 degrees.But it is common to find some cranks 1 or 2 degrees out.This can cause a meltdown of the offending cylinder!If you are running 26 degrees witch is marginal,and have a throw that is 2 out,that cyl may running at 28,and she goes up in smoke!!!!! Bad day

[h2oskiier30]

A degree wheel is not necessary at all. Simply repeat the timing procedure for every cylinder, and set max timing based on the most advanced hole. I run 280's with 260 electrics too, and set mine at 25* BTDC. Here's a link to Jay Smith's instructions. Scroll down until you get to "Timing a 2.5".

http://www.biggerhammer.net/mercury/

[outasite]

Jays advise is spot on for standard timing,however you cannot find a advanced,or retarded rod throw and set timing on the most advanced cyl without a degree wheel.