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Timing Question

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Big Al, Nov 26, 2013.

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  1. Big Al, Nov 26, 2013
    #1
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    Can anyone tell me what the degree timing would be on my 84 Crusader 454 ? My manual has nothing on the engines.
  2. RT46, Nov 26, 2013
    #2
    RT46

    RT46 Senior Member

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    not totally sure,
    but i think i remeber 8 degrees Before top dead center on a marine crusader 454 that i had with carb....
    you may be able to get the crusader shop book online
  3. Capt Ralph, Nov 27, 2013
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    '84 would have q-jet and prestolite distributor.
    Ensure dwell is set @ 28 degrees. At idle, look for 8 degrees advance for regular gas.
  4. Big Al, Nov 29, 2013
    #4
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    Timing Degree on 84 Big Block 454

    Thanks to all. They are equipped with q-jets and the points were traded in for
    electronic.
    I will see were 8 gets me.
  5. Capt Ralph, Nov 29, 2013
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If your asking about base timing, are you suspecting a performance problem?

    Electronic upgrade; upgrade or problem...
    There are issues that have to be considered when modifying a point set distributor to an point-less, electronic or opto triggered ignition system;
    Where does the advance swing come from; New base plate and same weights & springs? New distributor swung to match the original profile?
    If electronically mapped, mapped for a marine engine?
    Do you still require a ballast resistor or not? Coil with/without internal ballast resistor?
    The wrong combinations can degrade instead of helping your engine.

    Where have you been? Fill us in on what problems you may have and we may be able to help better.
  6. Big Al, Nov 30, 2013
    #6
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    rcapps thanks for your reply. I am mechanically challenged. I have had to tinker with some of the issues on my Carver simply because the local marine shops do not like working on anything that has a carb. That's ok. Now for what the symptoms are. The port engine starts and idles just fine. Between1300 rpm and 2000 rpm it misses and cuts out. Once you idle back down under 1300 rpm it catches up and smooth's out. IMO - It has to be a Timing issue. Distributor, timing chain or gears or coil breaking down. What do you think ?
    If it was water in fuel issue it would not idle correctly. Correct ?
    Again all the things I did not know working on my 59 ford Pick up in high school I still do not know. Thanks
  7. Capt Ralph, Nov 30, 2013
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    When was the last time it ran correctly? What have you done so far? And YES, it could still be the carb, fuel, intake leak, bad wire or plug, Yada Yada.
    Also, Is this a counter rotating engine?
  8. garyohv, Nov 30, 2013
    #8
    garyohv

    garyohv New Member

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    First, test for fuel OR ignition problem...not assume.
    When the engine slows, spray starter fluid or gas into the carb (remove filter). If it recovers, it's a fuel issue.
    Report results.
  9. hipnautic, Nov 30, 2013
    #9
    hipnautic

    hipnautic New Member

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    454 timing

    The Owners' manual for the Crusader 454 motors in my 1991 Luhrs indicates timing at 10 degrees BTDC....
    Cheers.
  10. Big Al, Dec 2, 2013
    #10
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    New Wires, Plugs, Rotor, Cap & Carbs. Both Carbs are refurbs from a shop with an A rating. Engine has been acting up for 3 months. Jack with distributor timing and you can almost eliminate the miss. "While underway" Next time out it might run good or go back to acting up Cutting out and missing in the 1300-2000 rpm range.
  11. Capt Ralph, Dec 2, 2013
    #11
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I took a dive a few years ago. Lifters would not stay pumped up. Went back to a single weight oil. Problem went away.

    It's near imposable to hear lifters over the roar of a loaded engine.

    Take the Fram oil filter off, put on a Wix (NAPA) and get a good straight 30w oil.

    Don't get carried away with that timing, to much advance and you can damage something, to little you will loose some performance but should still run.
    There is another problem than timing.
  12. Big Al, Dec 15, 2013
    #12
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    Thanks to all of you. Timing is at 10 degree BTDC now. I am convinced after using a timing light on the Port engine that their is a timing issue somewhere. "While idling with the timing light hooked up on number one plug wire the light will blink intermittently" I have been in contact with another set of Marine professional's from a very reputable shop and I hope they will take a look at it in a few weeks.
  13. Big Al, Jan 26, 2014
    #13
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    Took year to get to the bottom of this issue. But it is fixed. :)
    Both distributors replaced and engines are running great. The inside of the distributors (Weights) were rusted up and not working properly. that is why my issue was come and go. Now on to the next project. Generator Rebuild or replacement. Ouch....it is going to smart. :eek:
  14. K1W1, Jan 26, 2014
    #14
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Glad to read that you got to the bottom of the problem.

    In regard to your generator - Make sure that if you go rebuild or replaced that the unit you use is suitable for use on a gas engine installed in a boat.
  15. Big Al, Jan 26, 2014
    #15
    Big Al

    Big Al New Member

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    Roger That........