New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

[jkettle]

Need the expert's insight on this one- professionally rebuilt MCM 165, rebuild was to factor stock marine specs except for the .30 - bore and new pistons. Upgrades- eliminated points with Mallory conversion kit and upgraded fuel system to electronic- both have been proved working. Issue- I am trying to fire the engine for the first time and it seems to "lock up" even backfired once, at first I thought I may have the mistakenly messed up the firing order - I have triple checked firing order on both the cap and plug wires, I double checked the distributor alignment as there was a chance it was out 180 degrees- it is correct. I had a previous post concerning engine rotation as I am beginning to suspect the new starter may not have the right rotation- current pulley rotation is clockwise (facing the front of the engine) I am at a bit of a loss....Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[Don S]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Did you have the engine on #1 TDC on the COMPRESSION STROKE when the distributor was installed?

 

[jkettle]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Did you have the engine on #1 TDC on the COMPRESSION STROKE when the distributor was installed?

I did check that this was the case but I will re-check with valve cover removed- any tips on rolling the engine over by hand with the front mount blocking access to the crank/ dampener?

Thank,
Jason

 

[Don S]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Tighten the belt, pull all the plugs and use the nut on the alternator nut to turn the engine.
No need to pull the valve cover, you can do it like this.

HOW TO: Find #1 TDC on the compression stroke.?/ 427081

 

[jkettle]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Many thanks for the prompt replies- Stay tuned.

JK

 

[jkettle]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

issue solved- after testing and tracing a number of wires it turned out to be a slightly damaged wire running to the new Mallory part in the distributor- it would intermittently ground out causing the abrupt stall. Engine runs fine, slightly rough idle and by it sounds of it I need to run through the valve adjustments again. Few more tweaks and should ready for a shakedown cruise!

JK

 

[achris]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Just out of curiosity, is this a 4 cylinder 165 (aka '470') or a 6 cylinder 165 (250 cu. in. GM engine)?

Chris.....

 

[jkettle]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Gm 250 il6
jk

 

[achris]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Gm 250 il6
jk

That was the original engine in my boat. Very nice, smooth as silk, but old and tired by the time I replaced it (1994), and we (in Australia) don't have access to the sort of spares (parts and blocks) you guys in the US/Canada have, so it got replaced with a 4.3 V6 (loved that engine. Still do, it's in a friend's boat now, so I get to still work on it )... And that got replaced again in 2006... .. I like my new MPI (after I sorted all the bugs, with no help from Merc )...

Cheers,

Chris..........
BTW, you might want to mention that it's an in-line 6 when you post, saves confusion....

 

[achris]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

One more thing... Once the engine's run-in, prop it to the top end of the recommended range (3900-4300), they love it, and last forever.

Mine got dead because the PO had it propped too big. :sad:

Chris.......

 

[jkettle]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Thanks Chris- the boat has an interesting background, I bought it off one of my managers who at the time was getting married- been in his family since new for 2K ( boat and trailer) a steal as it was in very good condition and pretty well maintained. We had a great summer on the lake with the kids- and during our last weekend developed a slight miss. Ran a compression test cyl 3 & five were around 90-96 rest where 115-120. Given the vintage to be expected....so the project began. The original block was in good shape so after much research took it into Precise Engine Rebuilders ( in Calgary) although more of a race machine shop, they do a fair mount of marine rebuilds. If you are in the area and need work done- this is the place... old school work ethic and family run! The block got the full treatment-dipped and inspected, line- bored, flat decked and punched out .30, they insisted on hand matching and balancing the bottom-end. The new parts used where quality ( Cleavite, Perfect Circle rings.. and so on. I also had the head inspected and re-rebuilt/ flat decked as required. Total cost- parts in $1980 CAN I will also say they actually talked me out of " improving performance items" which in hind sight was absolutely the right choice. Long story short - gutted the boat, some glass work on the floor new carpet, seats, added some electronics to take some age off- threw a pic of the engine in- wife really doesn't see the point, but you guys will! The forum is great and has been very helpful on my first marine project!

JK

 

[achris]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

That, my friend, is a thing of beauty! Glad you got talked out of the 'hot-rodding'... Last thing you need in a boat is an engine that produces 9 million horsepower at 50 thousand revs, when most of the time you're running around the 3,000rpm mark, and need a nice flat torque curve to push you out of the hole....

I remember when I had my 165. I built my own electronic ignition system, a full capacitor discharge unit. I noticed the engine was smoother, started easier and the plugs lasted so much longer. I really don't understand these 'horse and buggy' thinkers, who want to leave there engine 'standard'.... Times have changed, improvements made, embrace them I say....

Cheers again, and well done (thanks for the photo, and yes, show my comments to the wife... )

Chris.....

 

[Will Fish]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

nice and clean motor install. I need to get my wiring all cleaned up on my boat, since my 250 is freshly installed. :joyous:

 

[jkettle]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Thanks for the kind words- on the subject of props the current one SS 15 3/4 X 17 will make 4000RPM and just over 40MPH with the old engine- given the numerous variables to consider, what would you guys recommend or should I start another post on the subject? Also should have mentioned I have gone over the leg as much as I can do and replaced the water pump outright- anything specific I may have missed that may come into play with the fresh motor?
JK

 

[Don S]

Re: New MCM 165 engine starting problems-

Thanks for the kind words- on the subject of props the current one SS 15 3/4 X 17 will make 4000RPM and just over 40MPH with the old engine- given the numerous variables to consider, what would you guys recommend or should I start another post on the subject? Also should have mentioned I have gone over the leg as much as I can do and replaced the water pump outright- anything specific I may have missed that may come into play with the fresh motor?
JK

Give that question a try over in the Prop Questions and Topics forum. That is what it's there for.