Tuning Up 5.7L

scarpint

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Aug 25, 2008
Messages
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Embarking on my first tune-up for my boat after some challenges trying to keep it running. In another thread, I detailed my engine cutting out after warming up. I've owned the boat 10 years and have done nothing to the motor. I do not know when a tune was last done to this boat.

Below are some picts and some questions I hope I can get some comments on since there are so many great posters in this forum!

First, is there an in-line filter here that should be replaced? Also, you can see I rigged the PCV hoses to the spark arrestor since I think they are contributing to the build up of gunk on my motor. Is this OK to do?

Fuel Filter copy.jpg

Here are the plugs I pulled from the motor. They came out pretty easy. They are lined up 1-8. They all look consistent to me. Anything of note based on the way they look?

Spark Plugs.jpg

As you can see, I had some challenges removing the distributor cap busting a couple of the bolts. After busting the first one and not being able to move the second one, I simply cut into the bolt and cap and popped the head off. I'll see if I can get the stud out and drill the other out. Nonetheless, I'm not entirely sure how to remove the rotor. Do I just remove the three philips head screws?

Alternator.jpg

I've got a picture I'll put in another post of the electrodes (?) inside the cap that I would be curious what people think.

Thanks!
 

Don S

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Caps and rotor also get replaced in a tune up. 10 years is really pushing it.
 

bigdaddypt

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

You just pull the rotor up. It is probably going to take some effort. They're on tight to begin with, never mind one that is 10 years old. The plugs look ok to me.
 

Failproof

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Sep 26, 2011
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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Your probably gonna have to pull the distributor to repair those threads. There seems to be a fair amount of corrosion in the inside of the housing. I would check all wiring, and the pick up while its out.
 

scarpint

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Thanks for the comments. Any thoughts from the forum on the carb questions?
 

Don S

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Yes, there is a filter in the inlet fitting of the carb.
 

scarpint

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Tuning Up 5.7L Part 2

Tuning Up 5.7L Part 2

Here are some picts from inside distributor cap. All the electrodes (?) look like this. I don't have much experience with DCs, but this can't be all the good can it?

Diode 1.jpg

Diode 2.jpg
 

scarpint

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Hmmm. Not looking at the service manual (which might be your point) because I don't have one.
 

Don S

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Caps get like that, which is why they get replaced during a tuneup.
 

Bondo

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L Part 2

Re: Tuning Up 5.7L Part 2

Tuning Up 5.7L Part 2

Ayuh,.... You don't need a part 2, when you have a thread runnin' on this topic....

If I hadn't merged the threads,...
Nobody would have the slightest Clue, as to what this post was about....

The terminals are corroded,... Change the cap....

That's what's done durin' a Tune Up....
 

ktbarrentine

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Hmmm. Not looking at the service manual (which might be your point) because I don't have one.

http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/mercruiser9.html#/468

Start at section 5C. (Page 5C-20 for the filter)

Looks like you have the wrong flame arrestor. I'd get that replaced right off and get your lines hooked up correctly.
Make sure you use a backup wrench on the fuel filter nut when you loosen and remove the fuel inlet tubing nut. And note the orientation of the parts when you take the filter out (of course, that is shown clearly in the manual section). And use a good grade of fuel rated PST sealant on the threads when putting it back together.
 

scarpint

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Aug 25, 2008
Messages
89
Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/mercruiser9.html#/468

Start at section 5C. (Page 5C-20 for the filter)

Looks like you have the wrong flame arrestor. I'd get that replaced right off and get your lines hooked up correctly.
Make sure you use a backup wrench on the fuel filter nut when you loosen and remove the fuel inlet tubing nut. And note the orientation of the parts when you take the filter out (of course, that is shown clearly in the manual section). And use a good grade of fuel rated PST sealant on the threads when putting it back together.

That was the arrestor on the boat when I purchased it. Who would have thunk it?

Thanks for the info AND the link to the service manual. Looks like my wife will have to suffer with even more silence from me as I paw through that 700+ page beast!
 

Bondo

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

That was the arrestor on the boat when I purchased it. Who would have thunk it?

Ayuh,.... The flame arrester is Ok,... It's missing the strap over the top that holds the vent tubes in place...
 

ktbarrentine

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Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Funny how things slowly go "missing" over the years!!!:D

part number 805314....luckily its only about 3 bucks!
 

scarpint

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 25, 2008
Messages
89
Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Embarking on my first tune-up for my boat after some challenges trying to keep it running. In another thread, I detailed my engine cutting out after warming up. I've owned the boat 10 years and have done nothing to the motor. I do not know when a tune was last done to this boat.

Below are some picts and some questions I hope I can get some comments on since there are so many great posters in this forum!

First, is there an in-line filter here that should be replaced? Also, you can see I rigged the PCV hoses to the spark arrestor since I think they are contributing to the build up of gunk on my motor. Is this OK to do?

View attachment 163863



All, having some challenges locating an inline filter on this fuel line. I removed only the brass nut here and there was no filter. Will I find it if I take off the large black nut?

Thanks for considering!
 

ktbarrentine

Lieutenant
Joined
Dec 12, 2011
Messages
1,296
Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

Embarking on my first tune-up for my boat after some challenges trying to keep it running. In another thread, I detailed my engine cutting out after warming up. I've owned the boat 10 years and have done nothing to the motor. I do not know when a tune was last done to this boat.

Below are some picts and some questions I hope I can get some comments on since there are so many great posters in this forum!

First, is there an in-line filter here that should be replaced? Also, you can see I rigged the PCV hoses to the spark arrestor since I think they are contributing to the build up of gunk on my motor. Is this OK to do?

View attachment 163863



All, having some challenges locating an inline filter on this fuel line. I removed only the brass nut here and there was no filter. Will I find it if I take off the large black nut?

Thanks for considering!

YES!!!! You need to look at your manual! (post number 12 above).

There should be a mesh filter in there. If not, you can order one on iboats or another online (or brick-mortar) source, like www.mercruiserparts.com

Pay close attention to the order of the parts when take off the "big black nut". Your manual will guide you. If you put it back together wrong (i.e backwards), it will not work!

Best of luck!
 

scarpint

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 25, 2008
Messages
89
Re: Tuning Up 5.7L

YES!!!! You need to look at your manual! (post number 12 above).

There should be a mesh filter in there. If not, you can order one on iboats or another online (or brick-mortar) source, like www.mercruiserparts.com

Pay close attention to the order of the parts when take off the "big black nut". Your manual will guide you. If you put it back together wrong (i.e backwards), it will not work!

Best of luck!

Thank you. I appreciate your replies and patience.
 
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