Timing indicator

lindale1958

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Jun 14, 2022
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I bought a 25' arriva from someone who had just installed a 454 crate motor. He never finished the installation had to sell it.
The sticker on the valve cover says mercruiser corporation leads one to believe that in fact it is a mercruuser engine.
However. If the engine was intended to be installed into a boat, why would the timing indicator be mounted on the bottom and can only be viewed from under the engine?
I've been an automotive mechanic fir 50 + years. I do know there are two timing marker locations, top for passenger cars, and bottom for motor homes and some vans.
Judging by the condition of the marker, it looks like the guy tried to break it off of the timing cover, but was unsuccessful. I don't want to replace the timing cover, I did make a mark on the cover indicating TDC but it's only close, not accurate enough to be sure that the timing is set correctly. I have a total of 17hrs break-in time on the engine. I know timing is crucial especially during break-in.
I just don't want to shorten the life of the engine if the timing is off by 5 or so degrees.
 

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alldodge

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Probably not a crate motor, or previous motor was replaced prior and came out of a truck. Truck motor is same as a boat, so no issue there.

Could use a piston stop bolt to find accurate TDC. Use timing tape and be good to go
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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Probably not a crate motor, or previous motor was replaced prior and came out of a truck. Truck motor is same as a boat, so no issue there.

Could use a piston stop bolt to find accurate TDC. Use timing tape and be good to go
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... To go along with AD, I believe the hot rod shops sell bolt on timin' dedicators too,...
 

lindale1958

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Jun 14, 2022
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2
I did install an aftermarket bolt on type timing indicator. The timing degree that I fhad set it to wasb 14° abgance. I've settled timing to include the 8 °. So my total timing is 32°, I'm going to take it to the local lake for a test drive. If everything is kosher then next stop lake Mojave.
 
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