OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

[longstand]

My Engine is a 1983 OMC V6 3.8L. its not INLINE
I have remove my Intake Manifold.
The Distributor Had to be remove. the whole Shaft. ALL OF IT

I have TURN the Engine several times after i had clean the Valve and the lubricate the piston.

Tomorrow i will put everything Back.

Do i just put back the distributor and set my old timing mark??

I have remove distributor before . but i never turn the engine. and it work

but this time i have turn the the ENGINE.. will this make any different s.

 

[cr2k]

Re: OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

You need to index the distributor. you need to put the engine at TDC #1 and reinstall the dist so the rotor is pointing at #1 on the cap.

Your timing will have to be reset anytime you move or remove the dist.

Judging from the questions you asked you may need to have a mechanic do it.

 

[longstand]

Re: OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

You need to index the distributor. you need to put the engine at TDC #1 and reinstall the dist so the rotor is pointing at #1 on the cap.

Your timing will have to be reset anytime you move or remove the dist.

Judging from the questions you asked you may need to have a mechanic do it.

i see. i know how todo that i belive..

I turn the engine until i see the Timing Mark together and look inside the cylinder one if the piston is up.. which mean its on the Compress TDC.

i assume that is correct..

after i do that TDC.. PUt the Distributer and timing it with my TIming GUN??

just like in a car.??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

Just having the engine at TDC does NOT mean you are at the top of the compression stroke. You need to remove the #1 spark plug and verify there is pressure on it with your finger to know that you are at the top of the compression stroke. If you don't do that, you could be 180 degrees out at the distributor. You have a 4 stroke engine so 1 rev of the distributor is 2 revs of the crankshaft.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

Warning:
The 3.8 distributor is like NO OTHER.
Your 229 Chevrolet has a SEMI-EVEN firing order.
Not only does #1 have to be lined up, you MUST CONFIRM that the cap position you choose to be #1 is timed with the rotor on the proper lobe of the points cam.
IT IS IMPORTANT! you can have serious detonation issues if this is not understood.
I would not recommend taking it to a mechanic, because very few understand this unique distributor and assume it's the same as a 4.3.
Download the Mercruiser manual and follow the distributor timing procedure word for word. (I know you have OMC, but the stupid OMC manual says not a freakin word about this most important process)
Page 4B-11 of Mercruiser manual #7 for the Mercruiser MR185V6 is excellent.
http://www.4shared.com/account/file/121507388/2e92adf3/MercruiserManual7.html?sId=EMLtXU1GLtQZJj7s

 

[longstand]

Re: OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

Warning:
The 3.8 distributor is like NO OTHER.
Your 229 Chevrolet has a SEMI-EVEN firing order.
Not only does #1 have to be lined up, you MUST CONFIRM that the cap position you choose to be #1 is timed with the rotor on the proper lobe of the points cam.
IT IS IMPORTANT! you can have serious detonation issues if this is not understood.
I would not recommend taking it to a mechanic, because very few understand this unique distributor and assume it's the same as a 4.3.
Download the Mercruiser manual and follow the distributor timing procedure word for word. (I know you have OMC, but the stupid OMC manual says not a freakin word about this most important process)
Page 4B-11 of Mercruiser manual #7 for the Mercruiser MR185V6 is excellent.
http://www.4shared.com/account/file/121507388/2e92adf3/MercruiserManual7.html?sId=EMLtXU1GLtQZJj7s

Howard. YOUR THE MAN..
thanks for looking out.. you save me alot of money and time.
and this manual you have give me.. HELL YES. better than my OMC book i have purchase. the picture look exactly like my engine.. my OMC book. alot of different kind get confuse .

Howard. i have a question
I have very TIGHT on money and i have remove my Intake manifold.
i have seen that my Seal is no good and need to be replace.. i know i should put new gasket. but i know they are very expensive.

is there any kind of chemical i could use that will do the same job or better. i have browse walmart and i have seen a Blue Selicon Base Gasket maker. that is waterproof, good for pressure, and 650 degree of heat.
can i use that rather than buying the original gasket.. i know i should buy one but this boat is eating all my money..

Suggestion.?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC V6 3.8 Distributor Installation

don't risk it
intake manifold gaskets can't be more than $25 at NAPA
reference
1980-1984 Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo, El Camino etc. with 229 V6

don't give me credit for the manual - it's from The "Adults Only" sticky at the top of this iboats forum