Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

[Fishermark]

On that engine I'm in the process of working on for my dad... I have it pretty well torn down. Looks like the head is shot - too much rust and not enough metal around the ports.

I note a hash / notch on the lower pulley, but no corresponding mark or pointer on the engine. What is supposed to be there that I'm missing? A pointer that bolts to the timing cover? Here's a couple of pics: the first shows where the line or notch is on the lower pulley (with the engine at top dead center). The second points to where the notch lines up with the engine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

too much rust and not enough metal

Ayuh,....... It looks like the Whole Motor has that Problem.............

A pointer that bolts to the timing cover?

Ayuh,............ See the comment above,...................

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

Yeah... the block is better than it looks, but the timing cover needs replaced. I'm still in the process of tearing down and evaluating. I may decide it is going to be easier and cheaper to find another complete engine and rebuild it.

In another thread someone mentioned to watch out for the front mounting holes noted in the picture below. Does anyone know how common (or not) it is to find a truck engine with those holes in the block?

 

[flabum]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

How do the cylinders look?

 

[MikDee]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

Fishermark, about the head, I noticed some erosion on the flat part on the rear by the ports, where the manifold bolts up, on my engine,,, even though it was in good condition, I was going to give you a heads up about that as my memory just began working. I wish I had that boat, & motor back again, because it was lighter, more nimble, faster, and more economical, then the newer version of the same boat I had with a 188hp Mercruiser (302 Ford V8 with a 2bbl).

 

[JustJason]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

honestly instead of worrying about this mark or that mark what you need to do is pull the motor. You need to get it on a high quality engine stand. (with straight 6's its not so much the weight but the leverage) And they will topple a cheap stand.
you need to get a micrometer, a dial indicator, a dial bore gauge, some plastigauge, a manual, and a notebook and pencil.
Once you aquire all that. in the order of saving time your best bet is to plastigauge what's there on the bottom end, spin the crank 180, and plastigauge it again.
if those numbers are out.... as in wayyy out. you might as well toss the engine. Even though it may be out because bearings are worn a quick mic on the crank typically will show the same at that point.
If the crank/crank case is out... there's no point in moving on as a new/reman crank plus having the bottom end machined and measured will not be worth the cost.
if the bottom is good... then move to the top. Map out the cylinders on both axis at 3 points. Yank the crank and check your lateral endplay. If everything is in spec or machinable.... your a ok but it's still gonna run you some bucks.
of course this is option A....
Option B is to check nothing... throw a head on it. put it all together. Let the engine nickel and dime you to death with EVERYTHING. figure out why it's not running right, fix that, figure out why its not shifting right... fix that... figure out why half the lights don't work on the boat... and fix that.
Projects are fun... don't get me wrong.
However
The tools time and knowlege in option A outweight option B. Coz in the end you've spent some bux either way but you now have the tools and hopefully the knowlege.
Option B gets you a bunch of dough that you spent on something that has 1 out of spec oil journal... and a boat that you constantly wonder why has no oil pressure.... until of course it blows up.. then you have nothing. and on top of that you've also no tools... and apparently no knowledge. and definitely no boat.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

option A ... option B.

Option C buy a new long or short block and drop it in. Take it out no worries... a few more bucks and no project engine but... all boats always have something to work on

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Timing Marks for Mercruiser inline 6

honestly instead of worrying about this mark or that mark what you need to do is pull the motor.

Well Cap'n that's a good idea. I will certainly take your advice. Oh wait - from the pictures above it seems that I've already pulled the engine.

I'm still in the process of tearing down and evaluating. I may decide it is going to be easier and cheaper to find another complete engine and rebuild it.

And... as noted above I am in the process of tearing down and evaluating. Believe it or not, I will actually look at the bottom end, etc.

Now MAYBE you didn't mean to sound condescending... but before lecturing about me asking questions that are not important you ought to read the whole question and look at the pictures. Just maybe.