what have i gotten into ?

[isimar]

i have a 1971 thompson with a mercruiser inboard 4cyl motor....it seems i can't find out what the heck i have... the manuals show pictures of different looking motors.
i want to switch the ignition system to electronic and have purchased the distributor kit with came with plug wires and coil. my problem is this, i don't know how to time this thing because there is no visible pullies or timing marks and i need to set the timing to 2 degree BTC..in the kit, the plug wires won't even work, the old ones have an umbrella type thing built on the end to prevent debris from getting into the plug well...and yes, this weird devil has the plugs down in a well built into the valve cover and it requires extenders that are attached to the plugs so they can reach to the plug wires....
what the heck do i have here ? i used to be pretty handy with a wrench on older car engines....but this thing has me a bit nervous...any help please ?

motor serial is 256419581

 

[Don S]

Re: what have i gotten into ?

Welcome to the wonderful world of buying a 40 year old boat an not knowing what the previous owners have done to it.

That serial number is not a Merc number. Not sure what it is or where you found it.
Might want to post some pictures of your engine, might help to make a positive id as long as they are clear and large enough to actually see.

 

[achris]

Re: what have i gotten into ?

... this weird devil has the plugs down in a well built into the valve cover and it requires extenders that are attached to the plugs so they can reach to the plug wires.......

That is not any Mercruiser I'm familiar with.... As Don suggests, photos...

 

[isimar]

Re: what have i gotten into ?

 

[isimar]

Re: what have i gotten into ?

Welcome to the wonderful world of buying a 40 year old boat an not knowing what the previous owners have done to it.

That serial number is not a Merc number. Not sure what it is or where you found it.
Might want to post some pictures of your engine, might help to make a positive id as long as they are clear and large enough to actually see.

the numbers were logged in the mercruiser book...hand written.

 

[Don S]

Re: what have i gotten into ?

OMG !!!! That's a 90 Renault. They didn't use the MC 1 drive either. There are almost NO parts available for those anymore.

Here's the service manual that covers those engines and the 0 drive. http://www.4shared.com/office/zIkYIr7d/01__Eng__Drives_63-73.html?

 

[isimar]

Re: what have i gotten into ?

well geez, ain't i the lucky one !