4.3 L Mercruiser Timing and Carb Tuning

[Happy Days]

I had a new Mercruiser engine installed. I now have a 4bbl Carter/Webber/Eldebrock AFB carb, Thunderbolt IV ignition, roller cam and balance shaft. It runs great but I'm getting some slight pinging from just above idle to about 2700 rpm. <br /><br />During an underway troubleshooting session, I retarded the timing to try and get rid of the pinging but it didn't help. Next, I'm going to try higher octane gas and making sure the plug wires are installed correctly (not touching, etc).<br /><br />I have a manual for my old '87 4.3 L but I don't know what manual I should have for this engine... probably the same one. Anyway, I need the initial timing setting for my new engine. I've seen 0, 2 and 8 BTC. Does anyone know for sure what I should set my new $5000 engine at??<br /><br />Also, I want to have a carb tuning kit on hand in case the octane and plug wires don't help.. Bondo mentioned a Carter Strip Kit in a previous post but I'm having a hard time finding on from a website that I'd trust. Can I use the Eldebrock kit? Has anyone used the Eldebrock 350-1488 kit with success??

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 L Mercruiser Timing and Carb Tuning

I just googled up that part#,.... It appears to be a close copy of the Carter Kit............<br /><br />You should be able to get that motor to run on regular fuel,.. As long as the Comp.ratio wasn't jacked too high...........<br /><br />I'm Guessing,... That T-bolt module should have a 14* advance in it.........<br />I'd start at 6* for testing.........<br /><br />Good Luck.....