Timing and points on king cobra 5.7

[ktmracr]

Hello everyone. I have a 1988 four winns liberator with a 5.7 king cobra. I need to change the points in my distributor, after I do this do I need to reset the timing? If so does anyone know what it's supposed to be set at? Also, what is the proper way to ensure I'm at top dead center? I have mechanical ability but timing is something I've never messed with. Any help and info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Redrig]

after I do this do I need to reset the timing?

Definately , changing points does indeed alter the timing , so after you change the points set the timing. Timing is probably 10 degrees BTDC but check your manual to verify.

 

[bruceb58]

Make sure you use a dwell meter to set your points.

 

[ktmracr]

The boat idles and seems to run well but it takes quite a while to plane out even when it's not fully loaded. The prop is a 3 blade 17 pitch. I can only hit 4000 max rpm, just seems to me that it should plane out better with that prop so I was thinking mane it's lacking power, thought I'd start with the points because I'm pretty sure it's been a long time since they were changed.

 

[ktmracr]

Will I need special points and condenser for a marine application or can I just get them from a parts store for a Chevy small block?

 

[Redrig]

The boat idles and seems to run well but it takes quite a while to plane out even when it's not fully loaded. The prop is a 3 blade 17 pitch. I can only hit 4000 max rpm, just seems to me that it should plane out better with that prop so I was thinking mane it's lacking power, thought I'd start with the points because I'm pretty sure it's been a long time since they were changed.

Is this a "new to you" boat ?

Definately change the points , I ran a couple of seasons with old points thinking that they were OK , I was dead wrong .

new points helped dramatically and now I change them every season.

If you havent , I would a full tune up to it , points, plugs , wires cap rotor , ect.

 

[ktmracr]

It is new to me. The plugs and wires are new and so is the fuel filter and fuel line and the carb was recently cleaned. It almost seems like I'd have to remove the rear seat to do the timing so that I can see the timing marks. Anyone have any input on this?

 

[Lou C]

The marine dist is completely different from the Delco dist that used points (last used on vehicles in 1974, then they went to the Delco HEI in '75).
The old Delco-Remy dist had this cool feature where you could set the dwell with an Allen wrench that you stuck thru a little sliding window in the dist cap. That moved the plate the points were mounted on and made it very easy.
Back to what you should have, a Prestolite marine dist.
From my '88 OMC manual:
Point gap 0.018" dwell 30* +- 2*
Timing:
Regular fuel: 3* btdc
Premium fuel: 5* btdc
Idle speed 500-600 rpm in fwd gear in the water