need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

[quikstang347]

i have the 454 out of my boat and rebuilt it . after all the machine work and assembling . it is ready to go. i turned the crank over by hand and it does not rotate the entire way. i then proceeded to pull the valve covers and take the pushrods out. it now turn over fine. my question is there are no timing marks on the lower gear. so i put it on tru TDC for #1 then installed the cam with the hole in the gear (looks like a mark) facing straight down. it does not appear it is right any help would be appreciated . it does have a gear to gear setup, ( large top and small crank gear) i know it should be on tdc for #1 and if i get it there, i am lost on where the cam gear faces. thanks for looking and have a great day

 

[Don S]

Re: need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

Can you narrow it down to a year? they have been around for a long time.
I do remember this same problem on a standard rotation, just can't for the life of me remember what it was right now. But it had something to do with 2 keyways in something.

 

[quikstang347]

Re: need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

i believe it is a 78 motor . it is definately a mark 4 motor. there are no noticeable timing marks that i can notice.

 

[picklenjim]

Re: need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

Are you sure you didn't put the crank gear on upside down?The book clearly shows a mark on both gears.

 

[Bondo]

Re: need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

Ayuh,....

I'm pretty sure the crank gear,+ the cam gear are timed together with Marks...
And,...
The crankshaft Isn't timed to TDC #1 when those 2 gears are aligned for the cam timing...
My failing memory seems to think it's TDC #8,... Maybe....
I don't have a resource right here to look...

 

[picklenjim]

Re: need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

Did you remove the crank gear when you did your rebuild?If you did I would almost bet the gear was put on with the mark to the inside facing the block.I have never heard of any way of putting those gears in time by a piston at TDC.It just doesn't make sense to have a mark on the cam gear and then turn the crank till a piston is at TDC and hope the teeth are aligned correct.Go to the ADULTS ONLY section and go down to Mercruiser Service Manuals.Then select Service Manual #9.Go to page 3B-57.Use the magnifying tool and zoom in to about 400%.This will show you your setup.It looks like in the picture that the crank keyway is at about 1 o'clock and the timing mark is straight up.Puller holes are at 4 and 10 o'clock.You MUST have a timing mark in order to set this thing up.If needed buy a new gear.....if you can find one.

 

[quikstang347]

Re: need help installing a reverse rotation camshaft in 454

figured it out finally degreed the cam and after i did so. i noticed the faint timing marks . couldnt see them before, but it is in correctly now and i thank everyone for the help. have a good one, mission accomplished