240 EFI V6 Timing Doesn't Advance

[lilngineer]

Hi-I have a 2000 MY 240 EFI V6 (0E376004) that has a cold start stalling issue that I have been chasing. I finally took it into the dealer and they are stating that the engine timing is not advancing properly and is thus loading up the engine for the next restart. They want to replace one of the switch boxes per mercury's recommendation. What can cause the timing to not advance beyond 12 degrees?I speculate that the switch box cannot cause the problem as per the manual it should be disconnected to set max timing. Also I have read many posts on removing it all together. Please help!

[rock]

I think you might be confusing the idle stabilzer with a switch box. You can remove the stabilizer but not a switch box. The trigger is the part that advances the timing and the switch boxes just relay the power to the coils.
Rock

[lilngineer]

Just to clarify, they want to replace the spark advance module, not the switchbox. I question this approach because when I tried to time the engine with the stabilizer disconnected I could never hit the max timing spec at cranking speed. The dealer keeps saying it's not advancing yet I was still able to hit 6K at WOT. Could this be a dreaded ECU issue?Any other thoughts?

[rock]

Idle stabilizer and advance module are the same thing. I would just remove it and see how it runs. I certainly wouldn't put on a new one.
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...o-in-the-trash....

Rock