1999 merc 350 mag Ign timing help

[lohe]

Ok I have found conflicting responses. What one is correct?

8' BTDC at idle
8' BTDC at idle in gear ( on the water)
8' BTDC in neutral with data link connector pins shorted ( this will raise idle to 1000-1200 rpm) And can some one confirm what pins to short?

This is the merc cruiser 350 Mag 5.7 liter

[lohe]

oh ya EFI

[lohe]

ok I googled and found this
http://www.perfprotech.com/store/art...ne-timing.aspx

For EFI

V6 and V8 EFI Models (EFI Ignition)

Two items of test equipment are required: an inductive pickup timing light and one of either a Scan Tool, Marine Diagnostic Code Tool or MerCruiser Special Timing Tool (Quicksilver 91-805747A1).
1. Connect timing light (91-99379 or similar) to No. 1 spark plug wire. Connect power supply leads, if applicable, on light to 12 volt battery. Refer to Specifications – “Engine Rotation and Firing Order,” for cylinder numbering and location.
2. Connect a shop tachometer to engine.

NOTE: Before starting engine make sure the timing tab and mark, or marks, on crankshaft damper are clean. Chalk or white paint on timing marks may help visibility.

NOTE: If NOT Using MerCruiser Timing Tool: With engine running, set the scan tool or Marine Diagnostic Code Tool to the SERVICE MODE and follow manufacturer’s instructions. On 350 Mag MPI Model, engine RPM will automatically increase to a higher RPM. You do not have to increase it manually, as stated in the following steps.

3. Connect the Timing Tool (or appropriate tool, as listed above) to the DLC connector (in the electrical box or on the electrical bracket) of the wiring harness.
4. Start the engine. Allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
5. On all models except 350 Mag MPI: Manually adjust the engine throttle to 1800 RPM.
6. Aim timing light at timing tab, located on the timing gear cover and crankshaft torsional damper. Check the timing. Refer to “Specifications.”
7. Loosen the distributor clamp bolt enough to just be able to rotate the distributor with some resistance.
8. Aim timing light at timing tab and recheck location of timing mark. Slowly rotate the distributor clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the timing to specified degrees.
9. Aim timing light at timing tab and recheck location of timing mark. Repeat Step 8 until timing is correct. Torque distributor hold down bolt to 30 lb. ft. (40 N.m).
10. Manually close the throttle to bring engine RPM back to idle.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to disconnect MerCruiser Special Timing Tool from the DLC connector, or set the tool to NORMAL MODE if using the Scan Tool or Marine Diagnostic Code Tool, before attempting to resume normal operations. If the MerCruiser Special Timing Tool is left in pace or the setting of the tool remains in SERVICE MODE, the ignition system will operate only in the “Service Mode”. This means that the additional timing advance features would not function.

11. Disconnect the MerCruiser Special Timing Tool from the DLC connector. If using the Scan Tool or Marine Diagnostic Code Tool, set the tool to NORMAL MODE. Disconnect the tool.
12. Stop the engine. Turn ignition key to OFF position.
13. Remove timing light.


It sounds like the " special tool" is shorting the DLC wires, does any one know the correct wires to short?

[lohe]

Ok I am answering my own questions lol found this on some other forums.. Posting it here for other and when I do mine I will report back as well.

"hey ..thanks... I got some

"hey ..thanks...

I got some help on another forum but just in case anyone stumbles across this post looking for an answer....there are two pins marked A and B. You bridge these and then set the base timing.

Cheers,
Neil"



And here is a nice PDF that has the engine wiring Diagram

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/bullet/93/93_29.PDF

[lohe]

Still would like to here from any one else that has done it what pins they shorted together in the DLC.

[lohe]

and another conflicting pin out....

I have a 350 MPI engine like you
The distributer was removed and replace after a valve was replaced because it was burnt
so I am also interested in the proper procedure to set the timing.

this is what I have found out:
Connect (short)the C&D connectors on the diagnostic connector and set the timing at 8BTDC After the timing is set pull wire from the C&D connector and that should be it.

[boatwakes]

EFI procedure:
Most of the above is correct. Timing on the MEFI 1 systems is set at 1200 rpm as controlled by manual throttle. MEFI 2 and 3, ECM will auto adjust to 1200 rpm when connected and put in service mode.
EFI/MPI MODELS: timing set at 8*BTDC, not in gear, idling in service mode (1200 rpm) pins shorted in the DLC.
Short the two pins on the left of the connector as you're looking down it from the closed end (top) to the non-locking connection side, or buy one online for $20 with an led so you can also use it as a code scanner.