Timing old merc 80hp

[michael1923]

Hi guys just a quick one.

Took the boat out today about 3 miles off chichester. Great day

However although the engine runs really smooth, it wont rev high and pushes my 20ft pilot590 ie dory along at only 10 knots max.

I wanted to check the timing, it has marked on it what the timing should be adjusted too but i wanted to check whether this is done similar to a car. It is an old outboard that has a distributor cap so, i am assuming, i can attach a timing light to no1 cyclinder and advance via the distributor to the required setting.
Am i right or along way off and need to get a manual.

mike

[monkeynuts]

try this web site for any help you need
www.outboard-motors.us/timing/
thay seem to always have the answer some were

might have already looked at these but to me it sounds like fuel starvation or a over sized prop for the boat??

cheers john

[michael1923]

do you know what, i think your right. The prop on the engine is huge, i'll have a look and see what size and pitch it is.

[monkeynuts]

to find out what size you need you could use these www.1stmarine.com/index.htm we use them all the time and thay are A1
ask for paul bell , hes nice guy and very helpfull. plus he will be able to adjust your prop if needed or get another one if its not a off the shelf jobbie

cheers john

[michael1923]

I've been over estimating my boats weight.

I'm after a 13 or 14 diameter prop with a pitch of 15 for a merc with 15 splines.

Mike