'79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

[Ictinike]

Hey guys, this is my 1st post, going to try to give as much information as I can.

I recently got a '79 Correct Craft Ski Nautique. it has the 255 hp 351.
after draining the tank and carb and Cleaning everything out I put a new battery in and went to fire it up. I had nothing no sound or anything.... I started chasing causes and found the starter missing.(yes it took a while...but who really looks to see if it has a starter?) anyway I had a old Ford starter off a 87 f150 302 manual 4x4 (I don't know if any of that is relevant, but what the heck) it bolted up and contacts the flywheel right so I think it is right. I spent all day trying to get it to crank. I noticed that the cap,rotor and plugs and wires were new so I started checking firing order, I tried 351 and 302 firing orders, then checked that the number 1 plug was right in the distributer. ( #1 cylinder at TDC) then reversed that in case I was off a rotation and I finally got a back fire. (the 1st signs of life) at this point I am not using the carb. to deliver fuel, it did not take long to flood the engine with the carb. hooked up, so I am adding a little gas as needed to keep from flooding.

I have a weaker looking spark than I want but I can see it in the day time so I assume its strong enough to crank. I have not ran a compression test but it seems to have good compression (turning it by hand)

I have been thinking about reverse rotation engines. I have no clue how to tell if mine is one, and if it is a RR engine then the starter I am using is no good. But how do I tell?

if thats not the issue then what? I assume I take a valve cover off and make sure I have the firing order right.

whats y'alls input on this?

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: '79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

Firing order is stamped on intake. Remove #1 spark plug and turn engine over until you get compression, then align timing mark on TDC. Now place the spark plug wires. As for having a CCW engine, I doubt it.

 

[Ictinike]

Re: '79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

No firing order on the intake. But I dont think that is the problem. Looks like the spark is weaker than I thought. Going to put a new coil on it and see if that helps. My main concern is the rr engine. O was reading that the early 80's had rr engine but I can't find anything about a 79

 

[Ictinike]

Re: '79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

Please forgive the bad typing. Using my phone

 

[captk]

Re: '79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

Your bad typing is in line with mine! LOL any way, If your boat swings a RH prop through a 1:1 gear box then you have a RH, or opposite rotation from standard automotive. Almost all sterndrive and automotive engines are Left Hand, this is called standard automotive, The starter you put on your engine is most probably the wrong rotation but also not a marine unit. take it to a rebuilder and have them verify rotation. And remember Ford, and Chevy dont number the cylinders the same. Hope this helps, best luck Bill

 

[Ictinike]

Re: '79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

Thanks. now to find a new starter. Any ideas on where to look? lol

 

[captk]

Re: '79 PCM 351. no start. I am running out of things to try

I-Boats would be the first place to look. We need to support the folks that provide this great site! Bill.