Plain vanilla crossflow ?

[shadowrider]

In the link n sync text, the terms "plain vanilla crossflows" tells me i have a limited vocabulary. How do I know what I have? The timing sticker on my engine says max timing 27 btdc. Link proceedure says;
"The next adjustment is max advance, this is the point where the distibutor (or trigger) can advance no more. Set the max-advance stop to 21 degrees for "direct charge" crossflow inlines and 34 degrees for the older plain vanilla crossflows. "
I tried running my motor at 27 max timing advance and it was very sluggish. Motor has a jet pump, 1973 merc 850. I have no tach. Can you tell me if I have an older plain vanilla crossflow ? Thanks in advance.

 

[shadowrider]

Re: Plain vanilla crossflow ?

After extensive searching the forum, I found the answer I was looking for, apparently this is a FAQ. Thanks to Clams Canino for his extensive knowledge and posting on this subject.

 

[SonOfaBeach]

Re: Plain vanilla crossflow ?

OK, if you've found the answer, how about sharing it here for everyone?

What is meant by "Plain Vanilla Crossflow"...and how do you tell if you have one?

And...what is meant by "newer 3 and 4 cylinder loopers"....how are they identified?

Thanks Shadowrider....

SOB

 

[shadowrider]

Re: Plain vanilla crossflow ?

Here some quotes from some posts in this forum:
Your 500 is plain vanilla crossflow. So your max advance is 34.5 degrees.The "direct charge" motors appeared in 1970 and most have a sticker advertising such. All of them use the same 2.75 bore and piston with a funny "eyebrow" on top of it. The 402 and all the larger (than 50hp) inline 3's,4's,and 6's were direct charge through the 70's and 80's.-W

 

[shadowrider]

Re: Plain vanilla crossflow ?

I just noticed a sticker on the back of my motor that says "Direct Charge 4". Wish I had seen it a long time ago.