1984 Mercury 115 inline 6 Timing question.

**Bigborecharlie** · 02-25-2021, 12:07 AM

Hello Guys this is my first post. I have made the jump from stern drive to outboard and have a lot to learn. I noticed on this motor just to the side of the top carb there is a Cam with two screws Both screws were loose so i took it to a local boat shop who said they were familiar with these motors and they said this cam controls the timing and they would sync everything for 150$ so i agreed as i have not had a timing light in the last 20 years. Since the work was done i have not taken the boat out as i was getting the upholstery done and today went to start it on the hose and it was very hard to start so i pulled the cowling off and was looking at everything and noticed the very inside screw on the Cam was loose and the locknut was not tightened down. I just received a factory service manual  and i am worried about hitting the water with this screw loose. Can this screw cause hard starting if loose?  according to the manual it is a primary pickup screw.

**Bigborecharlie** · 02-25-2021, 12:08 AM

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**rhardwick** · 02-26-2021, 01:13 PM

The small screw is for pickup timing. Look on the timing decal for pickup timing. This is when the timing is advanced that cam should be contacting the carb linkage. Yes, out of adjustment will cause hesitation and could be hard starting also.

**FUJIMO** · 02-26-2021, 02:06 PM

...i wouldn't touch a thing. don't go tightening any screws or anything. call the guy that you paid good money to, and tell him the situation & that you have'nt used the boat & its difficult to start, etc. have him tell you what to do or whether he tells you to bring it in. he will blame things on you & your money & time was wasted from before otherwise...

**Bigborecharlie** · 02-26-2021, 10:56 PM

Thanks for the information. I have read the service manual over and over and i feel i have a good understanding of how this works now. I called the shop and they are not answering the phone i left a message and sent them pictures with no response. A friend of mine is bringing over a timing light and we are going to try and get it running correctly.