Crusader 2004 Classic Carb Timing Woes

[Aquasportdad]

Hydrolocked my 2004 Crusader 5,7 liter Classic Carb Series Port engine end of last season and bent two rods in the process. Had an excellent car mechanic fix it. Dropped it in my Aquasport 29 TM last week but didn't start it. Had faith in the mechanic... Put it in the water today and went to fire it up. Turned and turned and spit and popped... figured out he may have put the firing order wrong. I Reordered the wires according to the manual (Left hand 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2)
He did put the serpentine belt on right... He knew it was a counter rotating engine. Trying now to figure how to determine TDC so I can time it. Carb gets gas, engine turns over, it just seems like there's no spark. I'm a hack engine mechanic with lots of experience - but this one baffles me. Any help would be appreciated... Seems like something simple - but then again that's what my dad always said just before he threw his wrench across the garage! Of course, an explanation in laymen's terms would be great!...

 

[Jaysad]

Re: Crusader 2004 Classic Carb Timing Woes

Start simple,
TDC, 1 piston on comps. stroke, Maybe 180 out ???

 

[Aquasportdad]

Re: Crusader 2004 Classic Carb Timing Woes

I'm thinking 180 out as well.
Am I right with the firing order? 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
And, what's the best way to get to TDC?
THANKS

 

[Jaysad]

Re: Crusader 2004 Classic Carb Timing Woes

Firing order ??? not for sure, it's GM?
TDC,... take #1 plug out, put finger over hole, crank engine, if it blow your finger off... stop, thats it TDC on the compression stroke.

 

[Jessfly1]

Re: Crusader 2004 Classic Carb Timing Woes

Easy way to get to #1 TDC compression is stick a rag in the plug hole and turn it over till the rag pops out then align the timing marks on the harmonic. Or use a compression tester.

Check out my post. lots of good info on ignition timing.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=418497

 

[Aquasportdad]

Re: Crusader 2004 Classic Carb Timing Woes

Thanks for all the help with my timing woes.
Just so happens...
When my rebuilt portside 5.7L crusader was delivered the distributor was 180 out and the firing order was all wrong. With your advice I found TDC, pulled and reinstalled the distributor correctly, rearranged the firing order... tweaked it 8 degrees left of TDC and she fired right up!
So far, so good.
However, like every boat owner, I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Enjoy it while it works".
That's my axiom to live by.

Thanks again.