Timing on 305 chevy

[lbuck]

I've just picked up a 1982 Starfire with a Mercruiser 228 smallblock GM motor. It had 3 year old gas in it that I just got pumped out. I have done and oil change, new plugs, cap and rotor, etc. The engine has a tendancy to "surge" and the timing is off. The merc manual calls for 8 degrees BTDC. The timing mark is way off and I can't get it to idle at the 650-750 RPM's in order to get an accurate timing mark. Also, The disributor seems to be rotated as far as it can go clockwise (advanced?) I'm wondering if the distributor was pulled and put back in one tooth off. Any thoughts or suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Sounds to me that if the boat has been setting up that long,its time for a carb rebuild.Have you change out the fuel filters?And yes,if the distributor was pulled and put back in one tooth off,that would change your advancement.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

can you ID the ign system? is it the original or has it been changed to something else?

 

[lbuck]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

The ignition looks original. Points and condenser setup.

 

[Don S]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Have you checked the advance weights to see if they are stuck or the springs broken? That would move the timing quite a bit, and prevent it from working. You would have your surge, plus a lot of extra timing at idle.

 

[lbuck]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

I've got a tuneup kit for the distributor that I will be installing over the weekend as well as a carb kit. I will check the weights when I do the distributor. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[lbuck]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Rebuilt carb over the weekend and changed points, cap, rotor, etc. Runs nice and smooth now. Last problem that is as soon as I put it in either forward or reverse it dies. Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe the Neutral switch?<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Try to jump out the neutral switch next time out.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Originally posted by LanceB:<br /> Rebuilt carb over the weekend and changed points, cap, rotor, etc. Runs nice and smooth now. Last problem that is as soon as I put it in either forward or reverse it dies. Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe the Neutral switch?<br /><br />Thanks,

My 1st Guess is the Lower Shift Cable is tight,+ Causing the shift-interupt switch to shut off the motor.......................<br /><br />Unfortunately,....... The Only Fix,.... Is to Replace the Cable.........<br /><br />The Neutral switch will keep the motor from Starting,....... But Won't Stop it when shifting........

 

[ottawamerc]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

I agree, the shift interrupt switch is causing the stallout. Check to see when you shift if it is closing the switch and staying that way?

 

[Trent]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

I agree with Bondo... Lower shift cable will cause the shift interrupt switch to stick... Replace the lower shift cable... VERY COMMON.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

It is so easy to test this theory, just disconnect the ESA from the switch assemnbly wire harness and run. If the problem is gone, the ESA is the issue and the cables need adjusted/replaced. Just becareful as when the ESA is disconnected you will likely need to shut down the engine to get out of gear or risk breaking something like the shift cable.

 

[lbuck]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Would I see the same symptoms if I missed the Shift lever alignment? Supposedly, the boat ran fine until it overheated recently. Again, I just bought the boat so the history on it is vague.<br />Thanks,

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

No, the shift lever is either right or wrong. I'm assuming we're talking Alpha one, right? There is no ESA on your engine. I'm with Bondo on this one. Change the lower cable and your troubles will go away. See if the switch is stuck when the stall occurs, if it is, then the lower cable is most definately the cause.....JK

 

[lbuck]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Actually the drive is a pre-alpha unit. How can I test the switch?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

If your engine is dying when you shift, then the switch is working.....It's just sticking because of the bad cable. Have an assistant move the throttle back & forth(in gear,out of gear)and look for moving parts. Then start boat, engage switch and see what happens.....Is it stuck & grounding out the ignition?....JK

 

[lowshovel1]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

in your 1st post ----Also, The disributor seems to be rotated as far as it can go clockwise (advanced?) ------------to advance you should be rotating counter clockwise,is it a standard rotation engine? I could be wrong,would'nt be the first time.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Originally posted by lowshovel1:<br />to advance you should be rotating counter clockwise

that's correct, lowshovel1<br /><br />

Originally posted by lowshovel1:<br /> I could be wrong,would'nt be the first time.

don't go starting a trend by admitting that now... <br />

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Timing on 305 chevy

Especially if there are any of those female types out there that might read this. It would ruin the prefect image we men have created for ourselves by never being wrong, especially in front of them!!