Thread: Harmonic balancer on 454 has 4 timing marks.....

Tweet

That's correct Jerry. Engine installed in first owners boat. Then removed in favor of the 502. I purchased and then installed. The boat was in dry dock at the time. I don't have a trailer. The dealer does not offer mobile service, so I couldn't have him install. I removed original engine, I marked everything, even took pictures. The engine bay on the boat is huge, so installing wasn't a problem. I had a gentleman who works for a local mechanic help with the install and setup.

BTW Original 454 had spun bearings, block was to far out to line bore. Machine said it could technically be done(think he said "shimmed or welded"), but not good idea for boat.

I did have several other options form the dealer. He had two more 454's that were stock. The purchased engine was the cheapest. The stock motors had lower hours and well are probably in higher demand(esp with fuel consumption considerations. my tank holds 105 gallons). Also it's likely the previous owner didnt baby the engine. Especially if he wanted more.

The motor was fresh out of the other boat. It was shrink wrapped on a skid. It was basically ready, just needed carb, dist. and installed. I did replace water pump.

I did also run the cranking vacuum test the other day. I forgot to mention it. It not something I've ever had to do before, but seemed simple. Unplug dist. make sure throttle plate closed. "T" into base of carb. I got nothing on the test.

Also I did use starting fluid. But with the ventilation problems in boat I decided not to use again(the smell lingered for quite some time, even with the blower on). I don't recall the boat starting with it.

I'm hoping it is cam/crank out of time. I really need to test the rest of the cylinders. I did 2-4-6 and when I seen 8's numbers. I called it quits for the day. It was a rough, long day and I was fed up.

Again, once started and major advance added. Motor did well. Response was good revved nice, sounded good. I didnt rev high, maybe 2500. Timing didnt advance much either at that RPM.

Pat
The oil is likely got some fuel in it. When I did the compression test two of the four new plugs had fuel on em. Oddly other two didnt. My only guess was the Weiland high rise intake wasnt spreading fuel evenly. Maybe someone else has another reason, I'm not aware of.

Water fuel separator is new. Guess I probably need to get check valve.
Outdrive is Volvo duo prop.

I had no warranty. The price range I was in, really isnt one where you can get warranty's. It was this dealer or take a crack at one on Craigslist. Figured my odds where better with this dealer. Maybe I should have just held off, saved and had one built. Hindsight is always 20/20.