ignition timing on a 454

[jobie]

here we go !!! i just bought a 1988 sea ray sorrento ( 25' ) with a 7.4 mercruiser package . after a few hours of cleaning and tightening and checking everything out i found the distributor was loose. so i got out my timing light and got ready to set the timing. as i put my light down to find my timing marks much to my suprise there were none. instead i found a big pointer. this is my first big block and i had never seen anything like it before. i figured that the timing mark on the balancer might just have to be brought up to the pointer but that did not work. i think that this motor may have been replaced with a newer motor . so does anyone know how to time this motor ?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

Post a pic....​

 

[mkast]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

Verify the light is clipped to the number one spark plug.
If the light is still not visible, start clipping the light on each plug wire in turn until the mark becomes visible.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

we have the same year and motor and the tab on the ftont of the timing cover is the same as any other chev of that vintage.
vee notches with even numbers stamped every 2 degrees
what drive do you have? it should be a alpha one painted white with sea ray decals insted of mercuriser.

 

[jobie]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

hi , the light is operating properly but there is no degree tab , in its place is just a big black pointer that is cast right into the timing chain cover. this a.m. i found some photos on line of generation v 454 / 502 marine motors and they are the same setup as the one i have which leads me to believe that this motor was replaced / upgraded at some point. i think that the motor was replaced and they used the old harmonic balancer. maybe the correct balancer is supposed to have the degree wheel on it ???

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

most likely your right. mine is stamped steel not cast

 

[jobie]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

i,m not sure that it matters but this boat also has a bravo drive not an alpha

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

I assume you a least have a groove/line in the harmonic balancer as well as the single pointer? If so you should have one of two things:

One, either once the grove and pointer are aligned via your timing light you are at the correct timing, or two - when lined up with your timing light you are at 0 degrees timing etc.. If the later just use a timing light that is adjustable at the light. Set the timing desired on the light then line-up the mark/pointer.

You could also purchase a "degree" sticker for the harmonic balancer etc..

 

[jobie]

Re: ignition timing on a 454

yes the harmonic balancer has a groove on it and when brought upto the pointer the engine stalls ( timing is way off ) i believe that you are right and i'm a little embarrased that i didnt think to adjust my timing light. i guess thats why you should not do anything after pulling double shifts for three days straight. i cant get back to this untill thursday but now i am anxious to get it done , thank you !!! i'll let you know how i make out