Mercruiser 3.0 Distributor posotion and Timing

Rod Burton

Cadet
Joined
Jul 11, 2011
Messages
14
I'm trying to get my engine/ Distributor in time. I put the engine on TDC and pulled the Distributor cap and it looks like the rotor is on 4, not near 1. At least that is what it looks like. So I'm not sure what I should do next. My question is this. Does my Distributor look like it's in the right position for TDC? Or do I need to pull it, replace it and set timing closer to one. I really don't know what it should look like but I would think the rotor should be closer to 1. Let me know. Thanks in advance.
 

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alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
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Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,213
Firing order is 1-3-4-2 and rotor turns clockwise

If it's near 4 then dizzy needs to be turned, pulled and reinstalled or move plug wires on cap to align with number one. Also note the mark for TDC on the damper comes around twice so the motor mat be on TDC of the exhaust stroke. If it's on exhaust and not compression the it's in correct position

To verify compression TDC, pull plug one. Put your thumb over the hole or a cork. Bump starter a bit at a time until pressure blows cork or you thumb off hole. Now look at dizzy it should be one compression TDC
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,766
Are you on TDC on cylinder 1? Or are you 180 degrees out which would put the rotor on cylinder #4
 
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