Mercruiser 888 won't start

[DC2LV]

Before I replaced the block/head dowels on my Mercruiser 888, it started easily and ran well. I have rebuilt more than a dozen car engines and nothing was out of the ordinary with job. Now that the rebuild is complete, I can not get it to run. It turns over strong but doesn't catch. The only thing that I can think of is the timing because the distributor had to come out. I did mark it and attempted to replace it in the same position. Can any body help me?

 

[xtraham]

Re: Mercruiser 888 won't start

take out #1 plug put your finger over the plug hole tightly have someone bump the starter or do it with a remote when you feel air push your finger stop put the timming mark on the ballancer on 0 on the tab check that the rotor is pointing to #1 if you lined up the timming marks on the crank/cam gears then dropped in the distibutor it's 180 out

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 888 won't start

Well, I would verify spark first.....
There are 3 different distributers used for 888....
I am assuming that crank was not moved after the dist. was removed, so....
You could try to reposition the dist. one "click" fwd or one backwards & see what happens or
Bring #1 cylinder to TDC, by checking for compression with your finger over the spark plug hole as it reaches TDC.....
Remember to remove the coil lead & ground it to the block while you are bumping the starter!
Point the rotor at the #1 terminal on the dist cap.....
It is not like a Chevy, you can get it to seat in alot of different positions, but it should be close enough to get some result.....
You are sure the ign. wires are right?
If that won't work something else is wrong.....JK