A friend has a boat with inboard dual small block Chevy’s. The 1 with a problem has about 1700 hours on it, mainly trolling (800rpm), since a rebuild. Distributor is point type with electronic conversion (brand is not known yet). <br />His Initial indication of a problem was a miss at low RPM, which smoothed out as RPM increased. He said he had a problem similar to this that was the distributor and was replaced a couple hundred hours ago.<br />His trials:<br />Switched carburetors with other engine.<br />Change back to points.<br />(Somewhere in this process noticed the timing had changed but distributor inspection indicated chain is tight)<br />Turned distributor 180deg.<br />Switched plug wires 1 position.<br />Present condition (his observation):<br />It misses but under low RPM, under load makes a lot of noise. Higher RPM smoothes out.<br />Starter does not have as much power and thought he heard it stay engaged after engine was running.<br />He called me because he thought it was all related to an electrical problem because even the gauges for this engine have been erratic. Fuel tank is full at ¾, tack jumps, etc.<br /><br />Present plan of attack:<br />He is going to have starter checked or a replacement.<br />I’m going up this weekend and try set all back to original condition (start from the beginning).<br />Check grounds, load, alternator output and general electrical.<br />Check coil, electronic pickup and monitor for miss.<br />Check vacuum for valve condition etc.<br />Switch distributor with other engine if all else fails after checking for physical damage and or taking a known good Delco automotive distributor for testing. <br /><br />Here are my questions:<br />Has any one had a similar problem?<br />Have I overlooked something?<br />Will the automotive Delco work as a permanent replacement (enclosed compartment fresh water 30+foot cabin type fishing boat)?
