Spark plug wires

[briaineo]

Have a seriously ridiculous question

Bought a boat back in march, basically got the motor for free too many issues with it: 1974 402 40hp Serial: 9034098

seem to have most of them sorted

But when looking at the motor from the spark plug/coil end Should the left coil's spark plug lead go to the top or bottom cylinder?

One other question if the timing was so far off could it start with the leads mixed up? :facepalm:

thanks

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Spark plug wires

I used to own a 402 but never had that sort of a problem, but i did often lube the linkage up including the things under the flywheel.

 

[racerone]

Re: Spark plug wires

If the leads are mixed up it will not run !----Typically it will bark from the exhaust when cranking it over.----You then reverse the leads and it will start.

 

[briaineo]

Re: Spark plug wires

I did switch the leads over and it started straight up, not running great, have a feeling the timing may be off. Thinking the wires to the switch box are possibly crossed cos it starts with the plug leads connected left coil to top cylinder: where as any picture I have seen is the other way round!

 

[racerone]

Re: Spark plug wires

Timing on these motor does not normally go out of adjustment and is fixed at the factory.----Curious minds / fingers do throw the timing out of adjustment.------Do the normal trouble shooting as a compression test and check that spark will at least jump a gap of 3/8" or more.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Spark plug wires

I can say mine was never a smooth idling motor, it did shake a good bit, bit it all ways ran fine and accelerated fine. I used it for about 10 years.