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7.4 GL VOLVO PENTA BASE TIMIMG PLZ HELP

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BrentJ

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So I just did a long block replacement on a 1997 four winns 220 horizon with the duo prop outdrive and I have searched and searched for base timing procedure with no luck I am familiar with base timing procedure on mercruiser platform but this is a first for me with the Volvo penta. Only thing I have seen is the “shunt” that plugs in the back of delco style distributor. Thanks in advance for any and all info!!
 
Thank you sincerely for your reply! The only problem is that I was doing research on this while I was at work and I wasn’t sure of what type of ignition I have. I went home yesterday and hopped up in the boat and checked and unfortunately my distributor does not have the place to plug in the “shunt”. While assembling the boat back together after dropping in engine replacement i did a quick search to find out base timing procedure for this engine and like an idiot I just used first thing I came to. It basically said to put engine at TDC #1 and point the tic mark that is on distributor under the cap towards #1 cylinder and that should put in base timing.. well I finished up the build reinstalling interior and all and I took it to the lake this past Sunday ( boat runs great at idle and I can rev the boat while it’s not in gear) but as soon as I put in gear and hit the throttle it falls on its face around 2100 rpm. I don’t believe it’s a fuel problem because I can jack the throttle back and forth and I have no change in rev.. Once again thanks for your time and patience in trying to help me!!!
 
and unfortunately my distributor does not have the place to plug in the “shunt”.
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Than you should have prestolite distributor (post pic to verify) and that is a point and shoot. Meaning, connect timing like to number 1 cylinder, start motor and adjust timing by turning distributor
 
AllDodge said:
Than you should have prestolite distributor (post pic to verify) and that is a point and shoot. Meaning, connect timing like to number 1 cylinder, start motor and adjust timing by turning distributor
Click to expand...
Ok so that sounds like what I done,only thing that had me second guessing if I was doing something wrong is that once I started rotating my distributor I wasn’t having any change on my timing light? I get off at 5 today and as soon as I get home I will snap some pics and post, thank you guys for helping!
 
The initial timing may be ok...check to make sure the timing advances with engine RPMs...if it doesn't the engine will never make full power...
 
Ok fellas I just got home and got me some food in my stomach, I got 2 pictures best I could get of the distributor unless I take some interior parts out. If I need to that’s fine I was just going to see if these would suffice. And as far as the timing goes unfortunately I am a shop foreman at a Kubota dealership and all of my tools are at work so I will have to see if the timing changes with higher rpm tomorrow after work. Please any info on type of ignition system this is would be awesome or what would be absolutely killer is a link to a workshop manual for this engine! I’m a diesel mechanic so this type of timing is new to me lol
 
Hey man I’m serious absolutely anything you need in those areas I am your go to for that!! I’ve been in this field my whole life I got full service manuals I can send, I can do machine search for you! I’m gonna try the pics again….. It keeps saying oops there was a problem? Smh of course it would any suggestions?
 
Don't know about this forum (I use iboats most) but some may need more post count before it lets you post a pic. Offshore only has a 10 post count, iBoats is zero
 
I don’t know the “ins and outs” but is there anyway I could send you my info so that we could just talk back and forth heck to be honest I don’t even care to post my number on here so that you could text me?
 
What you have is the Prestolite distributor, so its point a shoot
Pics
IMG_2058.jpg
IMG_2057.jpg
 
More info for the forum
The boat is a new to him and will not get on plane, so no power
Runs great just no power
So that's compression, fuel, spark or timing

Suggest doing a compression test to verify all cylinders are within 10% of the others
 
Compression checks were done before the long block was installed, fuel system is operating as should I swear I believe it is timing related
 
BrentJ said:
So let me ask this, if I find that the timing is not advancing with rpm what would cause this?
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This would reduce power drastically.
Should be able to get a loner timing light from local auto parts place to check
You need at least 22* advance to obtain full power

Meaning, timing set at 8* BTDC and should get 22* more so full advance should be close to 30* BTDC above 2000 rpm
 
AllDodge said:
This would reduce power drastically.
Should be able to get a loner timing light from local auto parts place to check
You need at least 22* advance to obtain full power

Meaning, timing set at 8* BTDC and should get 22* more so full advance should be close to 30* BTDC above 2000 rpm
Click to expand...
Yessir, what I’m curious of is what system and or component controls the timing advancement to climb with the rpm’s?
 
Agree on the 30 degrees total but you may not see it until 3400-3600 rpm...VP is known for setting thing up conservatively...

Where it should be will be driven by how the new long block was built...
 
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