what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

[lime4x4]

I have an 86 mercruiser 350 engine. Installed a 1997 350 vortec engine.Since the 97 uses a plastic timing cover what do u use to time the engine?

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

I think the best way would be to establish TDC #1 compression, then mark the crank pulley and cover with liquid paper or something and then get a protractor to mark of the degrees befoe and after. I've done this with suspect harmonic balancers (SAometimes they slip) and it works really well.

The TDC #1 is best done with a dial indicator. They are very accurate.


C

 

[bruceb58]

Re: what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

Use an advance timing light. Then you just line up the mark on the balancer with the mark on the timing cover and dial in your desired advance.

 

[Bondo]

Re: what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

Since the 97 uses a plastic timing cover what do u use to time the engine?

Ayuh,... Like Bruce says,... the Right Tool,... An adjustable Timing Light...

 

[lime4x4]

Re: what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

I have an adjustable timing light. The problem i ran into was the location of the timing mark on the cover is so far back that i can barley see it with a timing lite. My gas tank is about 4 inches from the crankshaft pulley so it's real tight to try and get a timing lite in there let alone being able to c the mark at the same time.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

I have an adjustable timing light. The problem i ran into was the location of the timing mark on the cover is so far back that i can barley see it with a timing lite. My gas tank is about 4 inches from the crankshaft pulley so it's real tight to try and get a timing lite in there let alone being able to c the mark at the same time.

Manually turn the engine so that the mark on the harmonic balance aligns with the mark on the timing cover. Now get some white paint and make new marks on the balancer and the engine some place that you can see better.

 

[cr2k]

Re: what to use for timing marks when installing a vortec engine in an older boat?

Once you get the timing marks lined up, even if they are in a hard to see spot then you can make a new set of marks somewhere they are easy to see.