'73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

[lilsinker]

Ok, I bought this boat back from a friend, was running good then...(ever hear this?)....Fired it up and got an incredible squeal from the distributer. I've pulled the belt, so not the water pump, or the alternator.I also replaced the distributer. I'm thinking the front (or one of the) cam bearings might have spun. I'm going to pull the top end this weekend, but, anyone heard a coil scream? Any Ideas or quips? Don't wanna have to scrap it if possible.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

It sounds like you are not sure where the noise is coming from. Any noise in a motor can be deceiving as to their origination. You can isolate it better using a mechanic's stethoscope. Or even make one using a piece of hose with a short piece of tubing stuck into one end.

 

[lilsinker]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

While the motor was running, I got down in front of the motor, thinking it might have spun a main bearing, and it was quiet. The noise is definitely coming from the distributer. It's very localized there. The engine runs fine, except for the noise. It's loud enough though that you can't even hear the thru-hull exaust. (sp)

 

[180shabah]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

Since you have to pull the drive anyway, do it now to isolate the engine from any coupler gimbal bearing issues.

 

[180shabah]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

The noise is definitely coming from the distributer. It's very localized there.

I guess you snuck a post in there while I was typing(and refilling the coffee cup ) it you are sure it is the distributor, remove it and look at it. If it is making that much noise, there has to be some visible scoring.

 

[sarantis]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

Before you take the distributor out take into consideration that you may loose the timing!

 

[180shabah]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

Before you take the distributor out take into consideration that you may loose the timing!

You will absolutely lose the timing. That is what the timing light is for.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

You will not lose the timing if you do not spin the engine......
I'd pull the dist & spin it (dist)......
If it is the culprit you will know.....​

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

You will not lose the timing if you do not spin the engine......
I'd pull the dist & spin it (dist)......
If it is the culprit you will know.....​

I think what they meant is he will have to re-time it with a light.

 

[lilsinker]

Re: '73 merc 188 Squeals on start up

I pulled and replaced the distributer. Fired right up. Same sound. So, another 50 bucks towards experience. I've built lots of chevy's, but this is my first ford. I know, we can armchair race all night, and most is the same, but if there are any specific peculiarities to this engine, any insight would be cooool!