Help with a Chevy 350

[stone]

Actually it is a 1988 Mercruiser 5.7L inboard, but why be picky.

If anyone knows someone (for hire or not) that can help me trouble shoot gettng this engine started, I would appreciate a recommendation. I have gas to the carb and spark to the plugs, but I can't get it to fire up.

Thanks!

[mk82snake]

Stone

If you are getting gas and spark then it has to be your timing......you probably have it 180 out..........let me know if you need some help:)

John H

[charliel]

Fuel, spark, compression.

You've got the first 2. Go with what mk82 said.

[stone]

Thanks for the replies!

I have taken the distributor cap off and observed the rotor pointing directly at #1 tower while #1 piston is at TDC at the end of the compression stroke. All of the sparkplug wires leave the distributor and go to the plugs in the correct firing order. I even bumped the starter to make sure the rotor was moving clockwise (as it should) to give me the correct firing order.

One of the unknowns is the fact that I had the heads redone (some new valves, some re-ground). I checked the compression after installing the heads (mostly around 60 psi {40 to 110}). I know not to expect good compression until I can get the engine started and get the valves seated properly. It is the non-starting engine that baffles me.

I'm going to retrace my steps on Saturday. If anyone wants to look over my shoulder, call my cell (582-8987) and I'll tell you if I am on the boat (or at the local auto store).

Thanks for the offers of help.

[Candy]

Some of you may have noticed that I have been away since the last social. We had 3 nephews graduate from High School (out of town) and 1 second cousin graduate! One more graduation and a new baby is expected in June. Graduation, Engine & Boat Stuff and a new baby in the family, Ouch! It's worse than Christmas on the ole bank account!

I have been busy researching the web for the best new motor and price. I finally ordered one yesterday. (Hurray!!!) It's a 2007 5.7L Vortec engine that will improve our horsepower and hopefully our fuel consumption. I also ordered a fresh water cooling system to help extend the life of this engine. We're going to have a brand new electronic ignition distributor, Holley carburetor and electronic fuel pump. Delivery should be Friday June 8th.

I talked to Spear and he recommended adding a hull zinc and connecting it to all our metal in the boat so I ordered all new rudder, shaft, trim tab zincs and a 9" hull zinc. All these will be installed after our bottom is painted next week. (Thanks Spear for the wonderful advice!)

Dennis Mayhew was recommended by jonesrw and so that is who is going to do our bottom paint. (Thanks Jonesrw!)

I look forward to a summer of trouble free boating (Fingers and toes are crossed!) and look forward to doing some diving with some of ECRA's members.

Now that things are settling down a bit, you should begin to see more businesses popping up in the Discounts 4 Members program!

Glad to be back,

Candy

[captfrankie]

Glad to hear you guys have a handle on your engine.

I for one am glad to see you back on here, you have been missed.

[Candy]

Frankie,

Did you ever get the electrical problem worked out on your boat? I tried to get a hold of a Marine Electrician (Left him a message on Friday) to get him on our Discount 4 Members program. I will try again next week. Keep your fingers crossed!

Members,

If you didn't get your membership card at the last social, please send me a self addressed stamped envelope with a note stating your real name and forum name. I will send your membership card out in the next day's mail.

If you don't have my home address, PM me and I will send it to you.

Candy