Outboard Ignition Timing - setting up a Tohatsu 115HP

[@zoltanbota4494]

Sok köszönet ezért a videóért.Azonkívül,hogy lényegre törő,tökéletes a magyarázathoz kapcsolt képi mutatás.Sokat tanultam ebből a videóból.Köszönöm.

[@jberejik]

Thank you. This was simply amazing. Two things: 1) I'm an educator, and your ability to break down concepts is fantastic and, 2) I've been adjusting timing for 30 years and not ever really knowing why or what I was actually accomplishing. Again, thank you.

[@DangarMarine]

Wow, thank you!

[@juancarlosguijarro9704]

Traducir en español

[@justtinkering6054]

Stu, you are the most comprehensive resource for boat maintenance on the internet. I've been going back through some of your older videos to familiarize myself for a 17' project boat that I am in the middle of. Also, I like to comment because I know it helps your channel's statistics. I'm still following your new stuff too. Keep on digging, you've got Renko looking good.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@knugensdansaler]

Super lucky I found this channel, been reading different web forums to try to understand and none really wraps it up like you do and still gets into the necessary specifics, really appreciate the time you into this!

[@flgardener1155]

Absolutely brilliant, Stu. Really enjoyed your presentation. I've had many highly educated university professors who couldn't come close to your ability to make the complex simple.

[@MrKattlyn2]

I’ve been trying to actually understand this for weeks. Endless watching and reading. After this I now get it. Thank you so much.

[@davesipsy7587]

I have learned so much from your teaching and I shop at Marine Engine.com because they sponsor your channel. This has to be one of your very best presentations. Clear, sequential and understandable, even for me! You have a gift brother!!!

[@robertbuffone5207]

Excellent teacher you are. I have a 2 stroke Yamaha 25 hp with 2 carbs 2008. I bought it new. At idle speed I couldn't get the pop out of it. After watching you on utube I adjusted the carbs in sync, and replaced lower unit leaking seals. Also with your instructions I got the pull rope working on a 9.8 Merc., and if I would have used your water pump drill test I wouldn't have changed the water pump. It was fine. The engine has a warped aluminum plate ,and 2 bad gaskets on the power head which turns the water to steam. I cleared the copper tube, and the rubber lines to the pisser. Parts are on order. Hope to have the motor running next week. Low,low hours on this motor which is worth fixing.

[@DangarMarine]

Sounds like you've done a great job on getting that motor fixed up mate. :)

[@marcusw9638]

Such a scruffy guy... such amazing explanations :) . Thanks so much! From experience, most mechanics I've used just go with the "close enough" approach when tuning rather than actually going with the actual tolerances set by the manufacturer. This is how to do the job properly.

[@williambryson1844]

Outstanding presentation. I'm sure you have helped many a backyard mechanic to understand how EXACTLY to set timing on a Tohatsu. I have a Tohatsu M60B and will apply this lesson today. Thank you.

[@MrDragonfly1234]

I am so glad that I finally understood what's going on here ! Being an idiot in electric field, I had to stop at first, then I watched quite a few videos in fundamentals in ignition and timing, before I came back again !!! Thanks , Stu !!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad to hear the video helped you. :)

[@carypeaden4147]

Good job on this and all your videos. When I read my Yamaha Outboard's Service manual, then with work I can sometimes figure out what I am supposed to do, but your videos give me much more depth about how I do it and more importantly your videos tell me why I am supposed to do it. You are doing a great job of sharing information. Thank you!

[@DangarMarine]

Cool, thanks!

[@crawfordniche]

These videos are genius for us hobbyists out there. I spent a couple years in a technical/trade school learning my trade, and your teaching skills are definitely on level with a great trade school! Your videos all seem to have you begging for forgiveness when things go differently than planned, which, I think is usually the most instructive part of the topic. If it worked perfect every time, we'd all no you edited too much out.

[@craiglitchfield1526]

Thanks Mate, you have a good knack at explaining the procedure, as well as engaging who's watching, as well as making it simplistic, well done

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Craig, glad you enjoyed.

[@ronaldsmeaton1432]

It’s great to see that there is 18 people who don’t understand nail clippings Christ how easy is the example have to be as always great video stu happy new year to you and your family

[@DangarMarine]

Happy New Year!

[@RobBarnes207]

Love all your videos. So much information

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks so much!

[@kieronr1]

Excellent video. Just like all your other videos fantastically easy to comprehend. Keep up the great work & sincere thanks for taking the time to educate all us enthusiasts.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, you're most welcome.

[@wilby1414]

Glad there was no commercials - it allowed for better concentration.

[@stuartcollier2283]

I am new to ouboards. This is so similar to my 90 hp Johnson that I recognized the problem I have. You are a great teacher. Thanks,

[@angeliquemack9154]

Thank you for showing and explaining the timing marks on these engines. I have a factory manual for a NS70A2 and it shows the linkage adjustment and the ignition timing but doesn't even mention where the timing marks are let alone what the marks mean. You saved me a bunch of time.

[@DangarMarine]

You welcome, glad the video helped.

[@DawidNiespodzianski]

I had some problems with my Yamaha 55 and I watched all your videos and must tell you that I have learned a lot.... Thanks for all your help. Now I need to find manuals for my outboard.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad the videos have been helping you. :)

[@RandomlyAwkward1]

This was extremely helpful in making me understand the timing setup on my Nissan NS70B outboard. You are a great teacher! Thank you.

[@vancepeterson4065]

Excellent video! I have a similar Tohatsu 90 with the same idle timing issue as yours. All linkages are set to the correct length, throttle plates are horizontal at WOT, WOT timing is spot on, but the timing linkage does not return all the way to the idle stop. It was reassuring to see you experience the same problem as me. I will take your advice, adjusting the linkages to ensure the timing linkage rests agains the stop!

[@bobpitt1261]

Great explanation of ignition timing and how to adjust it. 10/10. Thanks.

[@alanwaters2799]

Enjoyed. Easy outs become hard outs when broken. One method of removal is to build up the broken bolt with TIG until there is enough material to put a nut on then weld the nut to the build up.

[@DangarMarine]

They sure do. Yes, I've tried the 'welding a nut on' technique before. I'm planning to do a full video on stuck and corroded parts soon.

[@user-rr8dn5yl7d]

Good stuff. Explaining the theory is very informative. And walking through the adjustment is extremely helpful.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rjrombal]

Thanks for your articulate & intelligent presentation on timing an outboard. My engine is a 1967 Merc 500. Timing-belt's-metal-container-cap-"cap-screw" dislodged during a voyage. The belt came off the distributor shaft pulley. Ergo, my timing must be re acquired.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Rich, this video is more ignition timing but it sounds you will definitely need to get your cam and crank lined up again to put a new timing belt on. Good luck with getting it done and getting back out on the water!

[@cameroneod]

Clear and concise. Excellent video.

[@patmcg1681]

Great detailed explanation and video of outboard timing, I could not have completed setting the timing successfully on my Merc 150 without your help. One note, not timing related: While you cannot drill out an easy-out (or broken drill bit) for the times when you cannot get to the back of the stud, you can grind the easy-out away with ease using a 1/8 th inch Dremel grindstone.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad the video helped Pat and good tip!

[@Troopstan]

New to boats and stumbled across your vids. I subscribed straight away due to how thoroughly you explain the situations. Your camera angles are mint as well. It's a finely polished presentation. Tip top. Going over the donk using your vids to give me confidence out on the water. Thanks heaps.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the vids and they are helping you with your outboard. Good luck with it! :)

[@stephenjohnston6623]

That was a sensational video Stu. Thank-you so much. I have a reasonable understanding of outboards, though was never game enough to look too deeply into adjusting the timing. I now get it. Would you believe I have a Tohatsu 90, so I am off to the shed now to check it out! You are a knowledgeable man, and I appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge. You not only know stuff, you also know how to teach. Well done, and thank-you again for your Channel.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stephen, glad you enjoyed the vid. Good luck with the Tohatsu! :)

[@niknahevad]

I've been having trouble with my old 115HP yammie. I just checked the timing linkage after watching your video and it's completely disconnected! One of the plastic boots is broken. That could explain the problems. Going to fix it just now and see what happens. Thanks for the great video.

[@DangarMarine]

Good luck with it. Disconnected timing linkages are never a good thing!

[@niknahevad]

It's working good now. Surprised it was running at all without that linkage. There was a wire running from the throttle arm to the coil that was doing the job of the linkage, not very well

[@niknahevad]

Where would you go to buy the little plastic widget that goes on the end of the link rod? I just got a quote from my local Yamaha dealer and it's $14.65!! Could I find the same thing in an auto parts store? Thanks

[@Andrew-sb9ns]

I'm sure I've saved thousands watching your vids.. Bloody awesome.. Caloundra 👍

[@motorv8N]

Terrific tutorial Stu. Rather embarrassed to say I had no idea exactly why timing advanced or when. I just new it did. Thanks for clearing that up! Also, your reference to the speed of combustion and the flame front moving down the cylinder reminded me of the many misconceptions about fuel octane out there and its effect on combustion. Another vid idea for ya!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad the video helped you. None of us are ever too old to learn new things. Yes, there is a lot of misconception about octane, will add that to the list.

[@mohammadshobaki3453]

Thanks!

[@cenkaetaya]

Thanks, that was really helpful! I think this is possibly one of the most useful outboard videos on youtube.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad the video helped you. :)

[@SirTrampe]

Thank you for all your videos Dangar. You are my therapist, your videos have a very therapeutic effect on me. LOL :P And im learning a fair bit about my new hobby wich is boating. :D

[@DangarMarine]

Glad to be of service. Always love to hear of new people getting into boating. :)

[@wilassguess]

Thanks Stu. This looks like a good explanation and demonstration for just about all mechanical types. Hope I said that right. Minus the computer controlled engines....Remember I was asking you to do one on a 115 HP, 2 stroke Mercury four cylinder, Well looks like you've already done it. Looks closely similar to a mercury. Thanks for all your work. Very professional...

[@DangarMarine]

Hey John, interesting that this Tohatsu is similar to the Merc. I think I know the type of timing they have so I'll take a look next time we have one in.

[@6981bpd]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this! God bless

[@DangarMarine]

You are so welcome!

[@mlmontalvo]

Up until this video, timing and advance was a mysterious sort of voodoo to me. This was so well explained that I now have just enough understanding to be dangerous. Many thanks.

[@DangarMarine]

LOL. Use your powers for good not evil! ;)

[@mrsuarez430]

Thanks for this vid ive done all things with outboards rebuilt several but timing has been a rare issue for me that being said this vid helped me along with my engines service manual get my yammy on point dam water tube turned to shit so had to pull ph and cleaned up the linkages a bit since I was already taking them off

[@Ramshackle6984]

I needed this one last year ;) Great video as always. I look forward to them each week.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Seth, glad you're still enjoying the vids. :)

[@Jay1Joe]

Excellent Video! Very Helpful! Great Job Teacher!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@unsaltedlife5998]

To add to the broken bolt talk, I ran into a few in my days of working on auto repair jobs and I found that if I mixed half transmission fluid and half acetone it would free up any rusted or corroded bolt or nut, give it a try, you can see it creep up the treads.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, that particular combination does seem to work well, good for unseizing pistons too. It will definitely get mention when I finally get around to the video on corroded parts!

[@hikermansteve]

All of your videos are excellent. I have a 1988 70 hp mercury and have done a lot of my own work. Too bad you aren't in the Land of Pleasant Living (Maryland Chesapeake Bay)

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, good to hear you are doing a lot of your own work on the motor. I'd love to go boating on Chesapeake Bay on day!

[@hikermansteve]

You have a standing invite to join me on my 1989 Boston Whaler 17' Montauk.

[@dongorsegner4607]

Great lesson. You have the Green Machine, my project is the Invader. 1985 75 hp Mercury 2 stroke, so far I’ve gone through the carbs and fuel pump, timing is next. It would be timely if you did a video on the timing of Mercuries. Best regards from Lynden, Washington. U.S.A.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, should do a merc timing video one day as they are quite unique.

[@ralphfreeman255]

I appreciate your time explaining this. Not many out there do! Always love your stuff and what you bring..

[@ronnisejrsenhansen9788]

Hi Stu You know that the only difference between this and the 140 hp is the throttle cam on the top carb and changing the stoppers. Can be changed in 5 min, with a plier and a wrench. Thanks for vid

[@landon5636]

I will be waiting for your presentation of the Reeves method. love your videos, your explanations are impeccable. I just got a 77 75hp evinrude and believe I got a timing issue, scared to run it and mess with it until I do a link n sync with it and at least check the timing is close. again thanks for all your videos and will be awaiting the Reeves method.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Miles, will try to find a suitable outboard for that video soon.

[@landon5636]

Dangar Marine u r da man

[@dvalentini120]

Thanks for your videos. You are a great teacher. I know it’s dangerous but can I use propane to check for a vacuum leak. Thanks

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, I often use propane to find vacuum leaks.

[@StagArmslower]

What the great explanation of timing adjustment. I assume that on simpler older engines with mechanical linkages the advance is kind of fixed by the shape of the the curved ignition plate and the roller riding between marks for the limits of advance and connected to the throttle arm for rpms adjustment. Since the connecting rods are often bent heavy wires this by itself easy the adjustment of the rest of the low and high rpms

[@ct1762]

what do you mean the rods are "often bent"??

[@colineddy1124]

Really brilliant video thank you. It was five years ago so no idea if I will get a reply but I was going ask a question. My Yamaha 90A manual talks about going on to check the timing while running with a light - fine - but it talks about using a test prop presumably so that the motor is under a known load - is that really needed?

[@shanespicer6348]

Very interesting and helpful. Thanks mate.

[@markolav7017]

Well explained Stu as always..those rubber caps on the stoppers is something I haven't seen. (sips on Peroni )

[@DangarMarine]

Aww, I was trying to hide that Peroni... ;)

[@pierredebrienne3769]

Perfect video for my needs. thank you !

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome!

[@michaelmccormick5528]

Excellent Video.

[@DangarMarine]

Thank you very much!

[@igneisalves1]

Dangar você é muito inteligente nota 10, adoro ver seus videos. sobre mecânica de motores de popa.

[@DangarMarine]

Thank you!

[@sydneyharbourscenery1206]

Great vid Stu. Looking forward to the timing light method.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Adam, shouldn't be long. Just need to get an outboard in that gets adjusted that way.

[@neilharrison3664]

Thanks so much for sharing.. Great content and made me realise how this all works :)

[@matthewmoses4222]

Broken screw removal specialist here........Used to be a fitter/machinist attached to a mob of sparkies who were awesome at breaking screws off in housings then breaking drills or ezy-outs inside them....

[@DangarMarine]

+Matthew Moses Could have used your company that day Matthew!

[@terrybell4599]

Dangar Marine how do I fix my 96 Johnson 2 stroke outboard electric start but I will not game losing

[@caryhawes3041]

Thank You Professor Stu Teach Me I will Learn

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Cary. :)

[@WillsGarage91]

Another great video Stu!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Will!

[@danielthechskid]

An observation: the timing linkage socket was above the ball instead of on it, maybe this was part of the problem, IE causing binding. Also, I worked on an old 1977 140HP Evinrude V4 where the tubing over the timing stator wires had hardened and cracked. This was preventing proper movement of the stator and was flexing the wires all in one spot stressing and breaking them. Some new wire soldered in and new heat shrink tubing fixed it right up.

[@DangarMarine]

Well spotted on the linkage. This outboard has a lean misfire so I'm going to be going through the carbs soon and then we'll know the true situation with the timing. Good point about those wires. Any time something moves regularly like these timing adjustments there is always the chance of fatigue cracks.

[@PJduPlooy]

Thank you for all your help , could you make a video or give all settings on a DT85 SUZUKI OIL INJECTION 1985 MODEL , LINKAGE SIZES AND TIMING SETTING

[@andrewmeikle785]

Another great tutorial

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Andrew. :)

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Do you have a video on how to synchronize and set timing for 1991 Johnson 225?

[@chrisbraggins4173]

Great video! Did you ever make the Joe reeves method video, keen as to see you do one on that!

[@matt82654]

FABULOUS video! Question; I have a NS90A, have cleaned the carbs and idle is fine but it will not open up all the way. It gets to a point that it wants to open up then slows and speeds just between 2800 and 3000. I am new at this and really want to get it set to run with carbs open. Can you help with any information?

[@rexgroves2047]

Nice I would like to see the same video for setting my mercury 650 3cyl thunderbolt year 1976

[@KJZheng-or4ik]

thank you! learned a lot from your video.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad the video helped you. :)

[@ilya_vl]

Hello. The flywheel ignition coil shows 531 ohm resistance, is this normal or not? tohatsu m90a engine. the remaining two coils under the flywheel give out 2 ohm resistance. Thanks for understanding

[@DangarMarine]

You'd have to find the PDF service manual online, the specs will be in there.

[@ilya_vl]

@@DangarMarine I searched and found me. There is a wiring diagram in the native manual, but there are no numbers on it

[@ilya_vl]

@@DangarMarine could you take a measurement on your ignition coil, what resistance value will the device show for you?

[@bandirasbandiras3084]

Thanks for the great video

[@kevinsouth1216]

great info Stu,thanks mate

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome, glad you like it.

[@kevinsouth1216]

Hi again,I will be over at the Northern beaches on Tuesday,would it be ok to bring my Mercury outboard over to your work shop?That way you could have a look at what seals are needed and maybe get the project started.,Please get back to me and let me know your thoughts. Regards, Kevin

[@daviddootson9016]

Cracking video mate thanks alot👍

[@anton_wahrby]

fantastic vid

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate.

[@73suburban]

Absolutely love your videos! Thank you 🙏

[@DangarMarine]

You are so welcome!

[@brianwade8649]

Awesome video.

[@dougpo6546]

you should be a teacher, great video - thank you!

[@andyjohnson2397]

Great video thanks for the tip

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Andy, hope the vid helps.

[@johnnylemoine2478]

Please Let me know when you do the Timeing on Johnson not on the water . Because i have a 1981 25hp . Thank you your shows help alot . Thanks agine

[@ernestpatterson823]

Got a question I have a 1989 Evinrude xp 150. With the silencer cover on it. I can see flashes of fire up in the carbs. Would that be a sign of reeds problems.

[@mrareally8065]

Hay stu did you ever make that video. About the timing with out ranting the motor

[@firfox8612]

hello excellent video. is it the same procedure for m40c 1989? and the same timing degrees 9 to 11 before the triangle cheers

[@DangarMarine]

I'm not sure about that one, they can vary quite greatly from motor to motor so you would need to find the servie manual for that exact model to be on the safe side.

[@JAdame24]

I have a 1986 Johnson 50hp. I was wondering if you knew what the WOT degree setting should be as well as idle timing degree setting. Idles pretty good, WOT seems a tad off. I just dont want to burn a piston if its too far advanced.

[@michaelkelly757]

Good vid again. Thanks i have a marina 40 2 stroke two spark plugs. Wont start i replaced engine but it back fire only wont start, help please

[@DangarMarine]

Sounds like either timing or spark plug leads are going to the wrong cylinders.

[@rufustupp5291]

Thanks for for the lesson , is it possible for you to show how set up for a 1983 140 v4 as I think the setting would be different to this video , thanks so much ... Rufus

[@thomasatkinson5081]

Cannot wait to see the Joe Reeve's timing video you talk about, wish it was available now.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, really must get around to doing that soon!

[@marshal7102]

This helped me a lot however, My boat has a 70hp johnson and it has no power in the water under a load. I checked the operation of the linkage and the timing rod is not moving with the throttle linkage at all. I have adjuste the throttle to be centered for forward and reverse but now i cant get the timing rod to even move. I can't see how the lever on the throttle bracket ia even making the timing rod move, it is hitting no where. How do i get it back operational

[@IdiotVSFish]

So anything past the triangle towards the left in the video will make the spark plugs fire before the piston reaches TDC? If so does this make it run in reverse? I may have missed you explaining this in the video.

[@DangarMarine]

Hi mate, good question. I should have gone into the affects of timing more, maybe that would make a good follow up video. The motor always turns in the same direction. When the motor is running faster, the spark fires before TDC, but the momentum of the motor keeps the piston travelling up as the explosion is still weak in its early stages. As the piston reaches TDC the pressure is getting stronger and pushes it back down with more force (in the correct direction), peaking at 20 after TDC. If the spark fires too late, the pressure chases the piston down the bore as it travels after TDC and doesn't add much power. If the spark first too early - the timing is too advanced before TDC it can reach a strong enough pressure before the piston reaches TDC and try to push it backwards. This will cause knocking and is bad.

[@paulperez509]

It has to do with a specified tiny the screw came off after mechanic adjustment and I put in a screw with a washer but was probably not time corrected because the screw fell off after timing it from the Boat Shop was put back on by me Maybe not correct so do you think this could have caused the Piston lowering to crack in Fallout thank you very much

[@tonypena2956]

Is there a way to grease the bracket from underneath The bracket on my outboard for some reason is sticking Or do I have to disassemble it all and clean it

[@unforgiven818]

hi got a bit of a knock pre ignition on a mariner 40 6e9. ive set the timing and cabs etc cant seem to eliminate it, any thoughts would be appreciated thanks

[@haleybum]

OMG i love this guy

[@midnebraskaoutdoors4178]

Hey I'm having issues finding what my timing should be on my 1989 175hp mariner outboard what should it be or how can I find out

[@piripih5959]

Thank you very much for your amazing explanation on this! Would you know where I could get a service manual for my 1994 40hp Yammie 2 stroke?

[@TheRotchy1]

911 manual

[@jimbogasoline2042]

Is this a unique design that Tohatsu uses or is this the majority of 2 strokes? I remember you said they have different designs. Would a 2000 merc 50 2 stroke be the same type of design? I don't have a problem now but am very interested after seeing the vid. I love understanding outboards and learning from you!! I grew up fishing my whole life but we were to poor to own a boat. I always watched boats go buy while i was fishing off the banks. So I've never been shown even the basics. Now that im grown up and have one I appreciate the hell outta of em and want to know how to fix it myself. Ive gained a lot of knowledge from you and can't thank you enough!!

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Jimbo, by 2000 you might find your Merc is completely computer controlled and can't be adjusted. The computer will adjust the timing to be optimal for all conditions. I didn't get my first boat until I was about 30 but now I love them. Glad the videos are helping you with your boat! :)

[@seandaguio4541]

jimbo gasoline drgjvdfvdf

[@stewartramsay]

Great video Stu have you ever worked on a Yamaha 40hp twin 2stroke BR 40 676s model and approx 1978 think they had the mariner badge in some as I would like some info and timing set up as I can't find a service manual I've watch a few of your videos and they are very good and informative Many thank. Stewart

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Stewart. No, I haven't worked on one of those. As outboards around here get used daily in salt water they rarely last more than 20 years at the very most so we don't see any old outboards at all. Have you tried sites like tradebit and readmanual.com to see if they have any PDF service manuals available?

[@stewartramsay]

Dangar Marine Thanks very much for the quick reply and info 😀 I watched your videos from 12:30am until 05:45 and what a fantastic job you've done keep up the great work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Stewart. Time for you to get some sleep! :)

[@marklamberton541]

So can you get a bit more power out of a older 2 stroke by advancing the timing? Like try moving the stopper while on the water and wot it and then adjust and see of you get more top end?

[@barthageman4146]

Any experience with johnson OIS timing? I have 05 90hp optical sensor went bad ,replaced and seems out of time. Not much literature out there!! THANKS

[@kristijanleskovic5079]

Hey friend, I need your help. How do I synchronize the carburetor on a Tohatsu M40D2? Thank you!