Re: Can't get timing right?
You changed the timing and it ran ok, but it was so far off, that it wouldn't allow it to start. That is why the advance has to work properly. Then it will run fine at rpm, and Idle and start ok at the same time.
Put a mechanical oil pressure gauge on it and see what is really happening when it warms up. Your engine may be just totally used up.
hello,
never have heard of an engine "just totally used up."
but i have heard of worn out parts, and/or... improper tuning. oil pressure that low, if bearings shot would no doubt have rattled the rods long ago.
if this was my engine, i would pull all the plugs, get a remote starter switch, and crank engine over to compression on #1 hole. stop it at TDC. then work crank via balancer back n forth until you r coming up on compression and stop at the BTDC timing mark. usually 4 or 4 BTDC.
then go to dist and set it to fire on #1. this means set rotor to the contact area of the dist cap where plug wire #1 fits.
but before that, do as donS sez, ensure dist advance is working. if mechanical u can just flex the weights back n forth in and out. if they move freely chance are good they are working. put drop of oil on moving parts. a tiny drop! if vac can then put suction on hose with mouth [clean hose] and see if vac can arm moves in and out. if it does move at all, chances are good it is working.
so u have confirmed dist adv is aok, and u have #1 hole on compression stroke at stated BTDC timing mark, and u have rotor at #1 [close is ok] terminal under the dist cap. now go turn on key to Ignition, but do not start engine!! take one of ur removed plugs and put in #1 spark plug wire and ground to engine. now, rotate dist back n forth. u have to have dist clamp on loose. if all is ok with ur ignition, the #1 plug will fire and u can see it. rotate dist back n forth making plug fire each time dialing it in so u have just about the perfect spot for dist so if u rotate it in normal distr direction, [clockwise i believe] ck firing order. the plug fires consistantly.
once done u have static timed ur engine. it is very close as should start right up and idel fine once warm and if fuel delivery correct. well, u have to put in the plugs. and u have to tighten the distr hold down clamp before u start it, but not too tight. leave it so a bump to some part of it with hammer end will let it rotate a tweak.
so, now use the light set up to inductive on #1 and point down to mark on harmonic balancer and read it to timing cover scale. or however it is set. and twaek the distr to move the timing mark to correct firing mark... without any rpms so advance is not taking over.
once that is set, rev up engine a bit and ck total advance. it should be all in by 2500 rpms. and it may read 28 - 30 degrees BTDC or what ever the book states as to total timing.
best not to try to run it on the river with the timing so far off. u can set it perfectly on the muffs or water system.
camshaft gear drives distributors and the end of dist mates to oil pump shaft and so dist turns oil pump on these earlier L4. L6s and V8s.
hope this helps. also be sure ignition is in top shape. for marine use, to me that would mean all brass on rotor and cap. clean plug wire ends. etc.
good luck!
lakester
