Serial # Lookup please/Timing help

[flyboycj84]

Hi there.....working on my 97 searay with a 4.3.....a little confused on my distributor.....if a tb4 or 5.....there doesnt seem to be a knock sensor and the serv man 18 is a little confusing

Sn ok275908

Thank you!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Go to Merc, https://webapps.brunswick.com/literature/literatureSearch.do type in your serial number, and you you will know for sure.

Service Literature for MERCRUISER TB5, W/PS, SGLPCEX, WORO, GEN+ 4.3LX ALPHA

Interpretation

Mercruiser (obviously), ThunderBolt 5 ignition, with power steering, single piece exhaust (manifold and elbow is one piece), Gen+ engine and a 4.3LX model with an Alpha outdrive.

 

[achris]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

That's a 1997, 4.3LX, with Thunderbolt V... and some of the earlier TB-Vs didn't have knock sensors.

Chris.........

 

[flyboycj84]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Great.....thank you! Im away from motor at the moment, but have a pic on my iphone of dizzy and there is def no knock module.....but am i to time motor per the tb4 or 5 procedures?

 

[Don S]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

You still time it to TB5 specs, knock sensor or not.

 

[flyboycj84]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Ok....ive also noticed that i have just the timing tab, and a line on balancer.....no sequential markings.....is that line already set to proper btdc? Or will I need an advance timing light?

 

[Don S]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

The line is 0? or TDC Top Dead Center.

You need an advance timing light to set the proper degrees, or you can get a decal from Merc for it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Just looked, and with your engine, Merc used the old pictures with the tin cover. They do that a lot :facepalm:

The part number for the decal is part number 37-864250

 

[flyboycj84]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Great! This motor is a long story but looks like a Sierra manifold gasket leak, rusted valves, no/low compression on 3cyls, heads off gettin a valvejob, manis/risers back to Sierra testing for possible warranty (if theyr good at least i know they were tested and i'll use merc gaskets this time). Just trying to get prepped to put it all back together being im DIY.

Thanks All!!!

 

[flyboycj84]

Re: Serial # Lookup please

Re: Serial # Lookup please

That decal goes on the balancer yes?

 

[Don S]

Re: Serial # Lookup please/Timing help

See if this helps.

 

[flyboycj84]

Re: Serial # Lookup please/Timing help

Bot a pucture

 

[Don S]

Re: Serial # Lookup please/Timing help

Bot a pucture

What does that mean ???????????

 

[flyboycj84]

Re: Serial # Lookup please/Timing help

Oops.....accidentally typed and hit send. Meant to say "boy a picture is worth a thousand words!" That decal pic is just what i needed Don....thx!