Correct Timing for Mercruiser 4.3L

[frank1492]

I recently had my old 1988 4.3 OMC block replaced. It was replaced with a remanufactured Mercruiser 4.3 long block, 4bbl carbureted and with the mechanical fuel pump. It was supposed to be an identical block. The guy who did it set the timing at 8 d. BTDC which he claimed was spec. He did a very fine job overall and I tend to trust him but...
I noted on a Mercruiser Engine Specifications web page that the 4.3L and 4.3LH are supposed to be set at 10 d. and the 4.3L EFI (not my engine since I have a 4 bbl carburetor) is supposed to be set at 8 d. Before finding this I called to report that my new engine didn't seem to have as much pep as before.
I'm pretty sure my engine is a 4.3LH (4bbl 205 hp as opposed to 2bbl 190.)
I conclude he misset the timing and that is why I noticed a small decrease in performance vs. the old one.
Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!!!
Frank
P.S. If you know these engines, please verify that the web info is correct. Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Correct Timing for Mercruiser 4.3L

Do you have the OMC distributor, or the Mercruiser distributor? That is what makes the difference.
The block is still a Chevy V6

 

[frank1492]

Re: Correct Timing for Mercruiser 4.3L

Never thought of that. It is the original carburetor that came with the OMC package. So I guess he was right after all, correct?
Thank you!
Frank

 

[Don S]

Re: Correct Timing for Mercruiser 4.3L

The carburetor doesn't have anthing to do with the timing, what about the distributor.

 

[frank1492]

Re: Correct Timing for Mercruiser 4.3L

Sorry I meant the distributor- he used the original OMC-supplied distributor which he set at 8 d. BTDC.