Spark plug gap, tune up help!

[Purduebarry]

Time to pull the boat under the shade tree and give it my first work over. I just posted a thread about my discovery of having a Ford not a Chevy and I don't need any more surprises. Any and all help will be appreciated. I bought all new tune up parts today and assuming they are the correct ones I have a few questions. No I don't have an engine manual, I'm going in BLIND <br /><br />1988 Bayliner 1950BR, 5.0L, OMC Cobra Drive<br /><br />Plugs; currently the motor has Champion RV8C. They sold me NGK BR6FS. What should the GAP be?<br /><br />They sold me a Volvo Cap #3853815, I liked the Black (Volvo) vs. the Brown (EvinRUDE)? <br /><br />They sold me a Bombardier Tune up Kit with Rotor, condensor, points ect #987926. Is the GAP on the points adjustable? If so, <br />what should the GAP be on the points?<br /><br />I also bought an impellor for the bottom intake #777128. I got the gasket and o-ring to be safe. Sight unseen is this the right one? I've heard the swap is easy enough. Any tips, do I need to lube this thing? If so, with what? Any other parts needed?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Point gap is about 19to 21 thousanths,plugs should be preset.I know my AC's were. The impeller is an easy job,just make sure to seal it all up good and use some gear lube on it when you put the impeller in...coat the rubber blades.<br />I have all the specs in my shop manual for your motor but i won't be home untill monday.<br />Maybe some of the other guys can be more precise.<br />Where did you buy your parts from?

 

[Don S]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

First of all, you don't have a Ford engine, you have a Chevy.<br />You don't know if points are adjustable or not, yet you want to know what the gap is. <br />You're choosing a cap by color alone??????<br /><br /><br />What you need to do is walk away from that engine till you get a service manual for your engine and drive, and learn what REALLY needs to be done besides just tinkering and throwing unknown parts at it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Don,I was wondering about a Ford being matched to a cobra..mmmm? 5.0...could that be a 305?

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Sorry guys I thought I'd done my homework. Everything fell apart when I walked in the door to the only OMC parts dealer in my area. Figures My deal on the points gap is from the good old days. I used to tinker quite a bit under the hood. Now a days it's all computers! <br /><br />When I asked the gap for the points and plugs they just said they are pre-set. As for the color of the cap the part number crossed over to a Johnson (brown) and Volvo (black). They picked out my Cap by me mentioning that the cap had screws vs. ??? They are looking at diagrams, I'm just there believing them. Where can I get a Service Manual...everybody says the aftermarket books are not very good!

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Thanks Gary, Ford did have a nice 302, they must have bored them out a bit for the 5.0 Mustang GT . What the heck, I was told that Bayliner used both Ford and Chevy.<br /><br />Let me know what your manual says...please <br /><br />Should I use some sealant with the gasket on the impeller housing?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

You should get a dwell meter to set the dwell and a timing light to set the timing after you are done setting the dwell.<br /><br />If you have to get an aftermarket manual, the Seloc is better than the Clymer. Try to find a real OMC manual if you can.<br /><br />You know where the water pump impeller goes?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Any manual is better than what you are attempting now. Seloc or Clymer(I have a Clymer for my cobra) is more than enough manual for working at home for tune up, parts change out, and maintenance type work. If it gets any more complicated than that, bring it to a competant boat mechanic. <br /><br />I wouldn't use the aftermarket manuals to overhaul an engine, but how many would seriously attempt that? Based on this forum alone, there may be a handfull of guys with that kind of ability ...and it looks like they're all boat mechanics too!

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Yes on the impeller, I'm doing the intake impeller, I've seen the graphics and read up on it. Under a small plate on the top of the outdrive. Fairly easy swap, provided they sold me the right impeller! Should I use any sealant on the gasket? I bought the gasket and o-ring to be safe. Those will probably fall to pieces when I get it apart.<br /><br />What about the impeller on the water pump, should I be concerned? I was told the intake is a cheap insurance policy and do it every year, what about the other one, up on the motor?<br /><br />As for the dwell, timing etc., I have a friend who is ASE certified, he can time a Chevy and he has the gear.<br /><br />As for the Manual, I have some leads...cross your fingers, if not Seloc is better than nothing else.<br /><br />One last thing, this boat runs good now, it has been garaged and marine serviced all it's life. It's just time for a tune up!<br /><br />Thanks for the help!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Yes,use gasket sealer behind the impeller plate on both sides of the square gasket..i also use a thin coat on the rubber seal of the housing.<br />I'll tell you what my book says on the points,plugs and timing when i get home tomorrow.<br />The OMC impeller change is a pretty easy job.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Originally posted by cobra 3.0:<br /> Seloc or Clymer(I have a Clymer for my cobra) is more than enough manual for working at home for tune up, parts change out, and maintenance type work.

Except the reason why these manuals suck is that they are known for BAD or INCORRECT info. Like when I pulled my old AQ125 and used the Clymers to find the firing order. They got the order right, but the rotation was wrong!! Took more than a couple minutes to figure out what the hell was wrong since I had changed points condenser and coil also. Thought some other part was bad. Once that happens to you it becomes difficult to trust any of the data. I know many others have found the same kinds of errors for a variety of engines<br /><br />Yes, some manual is better than none, but for the long haul, even just for casual maintenance you really should get the OEM's, especially if you are ABOUT to shell out some money for manuals. I found out the hard way..<br /><br />M

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

In 88,I thought Chevy marine v8s had electronic ig.and Fords had points?Bayliner used the Ford 302(5.0)2bbl(called an HO)with points in ft.of an OMC Cobra in this period.(Capri BR)

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

ok..this is what my book says...5.0 1988 model is a 305 chevy.<br />original plugs are AC MR44T...plug gap is 0.035<br />timing,8 degrees BTDC,point gap,0.018,dwell 28-32, Idle speed in gear 500 to 600,Max WOT 4200 to 4600 rpm..<br />Impeller kit.OMC number 984461,Napa number 18-3348(includes housing) or 18-3212-1 either will work.<br />I hope this helps!

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

I guess all older OMC's,regardless of engine type,used points?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

They went to electronic in early 90's.<br />I never did understand why they didn't put HEI in them.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Oky Doky...thanks Gary H NC.! <br /><br />Today I called Ken Cook Documentation Service 414-466-6060. I got the number from Johnson/Evinrude, they told me to call Ken Cook with the engine model number. They had the Service Manual for $101.73, the Owners Manual for $34.90 and the parts catalog for $29.95. I ordered the Owners Manual and hope it covers most of what I will be capable of doing. Supposedly this is the OEM manual, not a reprint, Clymers etc. I'll let you know how immpressed I am when it shows up! <br /><br />Just out of curiosity what "book" do you have Gary? <br /><br />I also called the Dealer and told them I was bringing my Ford parts back! They were a bit suprised to learn what you guys told me. Yippee I have a Chevy again!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

No problem! Pricey manuals huh?<br />I got a Seloc manual,i know they aren't the best but it has all the tune up info.<br />I also have a huge napa-sierra parts book.That helps alot.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

Would you recommend I go back with the AC Delco's MR44T? I know GM's can be finiky about parts, especially plugs. I found them on the internet for about $2.00 bucks a piece. The NGK's they sold me don't cross to anything out there, they might go to lawnmowers for all I know, with Ford motors that is.<br /><br />The impeller they sold me seems right. I have the gasket and o-ring, I hope this manual is on the money. I hate shooting in the dark. Stay tuned!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

www.rockauto.com has very good prices on sparkplugs.<br /><br />$1.54 for the AC MR44T

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Spark plug gap, tune up help!

I would stick with the AC's they always worked great for me.<br />I also found running premium fuel works better in mine.Or at least 89 octane.