Hi guys,

So right now timing is 10 degrees initial until 1000 RPM, then I add in 24 mechanical all in by 3000 rpm for 34 total. Runs great, but pretty sure I could have more timing and bring it in faster.

So I swapped springs to the lightest pair (was on second lightest already). No change to the 34 final, but now it's in by 2k, and starts coming in at 500 - which meant my "initial" (timing at idle) is actually closer to ~13-14.

Well, it ran a little better at a slow cruise, but couldn't idle to save it's life. Would hunt like crazy, stall frequently, all sorts of crap. I swapped back to the medium spring and all is well again. Here's my questions:

- I've done a lot of research on timing and I cannot believe that an extra ~3-4 degrees of idle timing, when it's already so low, is causing me to idle so badly. I know a lot of people lock out their timing at ~32-34 right at idle and are mostly fine, lots of people have 15-25 initial, etc. So what gives...why do I need such a ridiculously low initial timing?
- My idle speed is 800 rpm. From everything I've seen on this site, that's *really* low. I love it because it's quiet, makes it possible to dock somewhat easily, etc. Could this be why I need such retarded timing at idle? Is there any downside to idling so low?

Let me know if you need any engine specs (492 chevy, cam is a hydraulic roller ~230 @0.050, 0.600", 112 LSA, installed 4 degrees retarded) or if you've got any thoughts...thanks!

I have mine idle at 950 ± for slight additional thrust around the docks and trailering. But she's a big girl, so slop counts for skill.

More important is total timing lead, mines at 12° initial, ~33/34° total, using the lightest springs. This was after a lake test to see how much timing lead my combo wanted.

Hope this helps.

Dan'l

To find max timing you can listen for the ping or read the plugs. Check the amount of brown on top of the electrode. If it has made it way all the way down to the to the threads, you are maxed out basically.

Dan'l, how did you find out how much total timing it wanted...increase by two degrees and wait for peak RPM to stop increasing, then back it off slightly? Or is there another trick?

It took 2 people.
I had a buddy of mine drive the boat.
I have jump seats next to the motor.
I sat in left side jump seat, had buddy bring it to 3000 rpm. I could see the tach, too.
Told him to keep the same throttle position.
I advanced the dizzy about 300 rpm, before it started going back down.
( No more throttle was used)
Retarded the dizzy a bit, and later checked initial with a timing light.
Left it at 12-13° initial.
Bam. Done.

Dan'l

Edit: going up river and 115° outside.