The tune-up specifications for Evinrude outboard motors include the ignition timing adjustment, the idle speed -- which is electronically controlled in motors above 70-horsepower, the magneto breaker point gap for the smallest Evinrudes -- the Colt and Colt Jr., and the valve clearance for both intake and exhaust valves for all motors.
Ignition Timing Specifications
Set the timing for 30-horsepower and 55-horsepower motors between 0 and 2 degrees after top dead center, or ATDC, at a motor speed of 725 rpm to 775 rpm, and 18 to 20 degrees before top dead center, or BTDC, at 4,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm. For 60-horsepower to 70-horsepower motors, set the timing between 1 and 4 degrees ATDC at a motor speed of between 750 rpm and 850 rpm; at 4,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm, set the timing at between 18 and 20 degrees, BTDC. Set the timing for motors above 70-horsepower at 1 to 4 degrees ATDC at a motor speed of between 750 rpm and 875 rpm and 19 degrees BTDC at 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm.
Idle Speed Specifications
Set the idle speed for 30-horsepower and 55-horsepower motors between 725 rpm and 775 rpm. Set the idle speed for motors 60-horsepower to 70-horsepower at 750 rpm to 850 rpm. The idle speed in motors above 70 horsepower is pre-set and controlled by the motor's electronic control unit, and is non-adjustable.
Magneto Breaker Point Gap Specifications
Set the breaker point gap for the smaller 2-horsepower, 2.3-horsepower and 3.3-horsepower Colt Jr. motors with a 22 microfarad to 26 microfarad capacitor, at 0.008 mm. Set the breaker point gap for the 3-horsepower and 4-horsepower Colt, with an 18 MFD to 22 MFD capacitor, to 0.022 mm.
Valve Clearance Specifications
Set the valve clearance to 0.003 mm at intake and 0.005 mm at exhaust, for motors up to 9.9-horsepower that were built after 1998. For those built prior to 1998, set the valve clearance to 0.004 mm at intake and 0.006 mm at exhaust, for the 9.9-horsepower and 15-horsepower motors. For 25-horsepower to 50-horsepower motors, set the intake and exhaust at 0.009 mm. For motors 70-horsepower and above, set the intake at 0.005 mm and exhaust at 0.006 mm.
References
- "Evinrude Repair Manual 2.5 to 250 HP Models, 2002-2007"; Seloc Marine; 2007
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Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.