"I am no expert on the Firebal
"I am no expert on the Fireballs, all this information is right out of the GrayMarine tech manual for the fireball V8’s.
The firing order for the 188 and all V8 fireballs except those with 1.91:1 reduction gear rations is;
Standard rotation: 1-3-4-5-6-2-7-8
Opposite rotation: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Engines with the flywheel forward, except those with 1.91:1 drive ratio
Standard rotation: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Opposite rotation: 1-3-4-5-6-2-7-8
If your flywheel is facing forward then the number one cylinder will be on your right side (starboard) back.
If you flywheel is towards the back of the boat your number one cylinder will be left side (port) farthest one forward.
According to the book if your flywheel is facing back the timing marks are located in what is called a timing port which is a round opening on the top of the bell housing. The timing indicator is at the top of the timing port. I do not have this engine so I’m just telling what it says. In any case the timing should be set at “0” for the 188. Connect your timing light to the number one cylinder and the light should fire when the number one cylinder is at top dead center and the indicators are pointing at “0” If they do not line up you change the timing by adjusting the rotation of the distributor ever so slightly until the indicators are lined up and then tighten the distributor down again. If you do this while the engine is running it should be at idle 500RPM.
The point gap depends on what manufacturer’s distributor cap you have. If it is:
Delco-Remy without a vacuum control the gap is .013 and the dwell is 28-34 deg.
Delco with a vacuum control the gap is .016, dwell 26-33 deg.
Auto-Lite high cap no vacuum gap is .017, dwell 31 deg.
Auto-Lite high cap with vacuum gap is .017, dwell 29 deg.
Mallory no vacuum gap is .020, dwell 26 deg.
Auto-Lite flat cap no vacuum gap is .017, dwell 31 def
Auto-Lite flat cap with vacuum gap is .017, dwell 29 deg.
Hope this is of some help.
Cal"