help on timing a 3.0

serna_a

Cadet
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Sep 2, 2005
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11
hello this is my first time on a boat and i need help to getit to time i tried everything i put new cap rotor i just cant get to time or to start yet please a little help or alot agina thanks
 

tommays

Admiral
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Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: help on timing a 3.0

you will need to give more info there are many types of Ignition systems used on a 3.0 and they ALL have different timeing settings and ways to do it<br /><br /><br />tommays
 

serna_a

Cadet
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

ok well its a new 2002 18' bowrider it wont start so i could get its timed if i can hell i been working on it for the pass two days man a way to spend youi weekend huh well if you need more info please let me know i give you what i know thanx again
 

serna_a

Cadet
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

ok well its a new 2002 18' bowrider it wont start so i could get its timed if i can hell i been working on it for the pass two days man a way to spend youi weekend huh well if you need more info please let me know i give you what i know thanx again
 

Don S

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62,321
Re: help on timing a 3.0

Timing is not going to be your problem if you have no spark. Is this a Volvo or Mercruiser?<br />It doesn't make any difference what boat it's in, what we need to know is the year, model, make of the engine, we know it's a Chevy, but is it Volvo or Mercruiser?
 

Don S

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Re: help on timing a 3.0

First of all, check your safety kill switch and make sure the lanyard is hooked up correctly.<br />Then, do you have a test light or a DVM and know how to use them? Do you have power to your coil?
 

serna_a

Cadet
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Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

its a Mercruiser 3.0 maxum 2002 1800 sr 4cly i have spark in the the number one but i hav none in the rest i dont know what to do dude
 

Don S

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Re: help on timing a 3.0

With spark on one cylinder, you probably need a tuneup. When was the last time the plugs, cap and rotor were changed?
 

serna_a

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Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

well i just cgot done a tune up i replace the wires plugs rotor cap and now i flasdh of fire from the carb now i do know that i have a right order in wire but now i need some serios help
 

Don S

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Re: help on timing a 3.0

Yep, sounds like you have the plug wires in the wrong place. Have you moved the distributor at all?<br /><br />
3.0%20Firing%20Order.png
 

serna_a

Cadet
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Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

well i did but i marked the outside of the housing to make sure i i put in right agian ok i will try the firing order again
 

Don S

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Re: help on timing a 3.0

If you had the distributor out, you may have gotten the rotor shaft turned a tooth off or something. It's not just the outside of the distributor that counts.<br />You have to get the engine up on #1 TDC and put the distributor back in with the rotor aimed at #1 plug wire. Then after you get it running and rough timed, you will have to put the distributor into base timing mode in order to set the timing with a timing light.<br />Sounds to me like you are in need of a Merc service manual if you are planing on working on your engine. If you get the timing off on the 3.0L engine, you can destroy the engine very quickly.
 

serna_a

Cadet
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Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

i have a manual and ttried to stat it with the number one pionting at the one spark plug and still nothing i tryied to start but im scared to mess it up if i keep on trying it turn over and i get spark i understand about the jumper wire for the dist. and connect the engine distutor i just cant get it to start do i just try until i get it to start so i can time it i dont know what to do dude again thanks for all the help but still need alot more:)
 

Don S

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Re: help on timing a 3.0

Was the distributor rotor pointing at #1 spark plug wire when the #1 piston was at TDC on the COMPRESSION stroke????
 

serna_a

Cadet
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

at first it was pionting at the number 4 when i turn it by han to get it to tdc number one
 

Don S

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Re: help on timing a 3.0

Are you sure you were on the compression stroke when you had #1 at TDC? <br />Remove all the spark plugs, turn the engine by hand while holding your thumb over the #1 Plug hole. When you feel the pressure starting to build, continue to turn the engine (in direction of normal rotation) untill the timing mark on the dampner is lined up with the 0 mark on the pointer.<br />Then and only then are you sure you are at #1 TDC on Compression stroke.<br />Then put the distributor in so the rotor is pointing at the location on the distributor cap for #1 Plug wire.<br />Then put it all back together and start the engine. You may have to turn the distributor to get it to start and run so you can set the timing to specs.
 

serna_a

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Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
11
Re: help on timing a 3.0

sir i finally got it i had the rocker to tight so i wasnt getting compression in any of the holes but i just wanted to say thank you from a person and a soldier thats grateful for ever little help captian you are a leader and a trainer SAPPER!!!!! OIF
 
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