identify engine and problems.

[cook1040]

alright have an old sea bird boat. i believe a 1960's boat. My issues are that I am not sure how exactly to go about identifying the motor in it. I have the serial number and other numbers off of it. It is a inline 4 cylinder GM engine. Also once that is identified the issues with the engine are that it starts and idles fine. It also picks up fine on the low end up to about 2500 rpm or so. From there it is really doggy with no power. The max it winds up is about 2800 rpm. Also the plugs show it running very rich with a set already fouled off. The kicker is that 1 of the 4 plugs comes out what looks to be a tad lean, being a bit white but still black on the threads. I did a compression check and all four cylinders checked out at about 155 psi. Also the carbs are carter RBS with the climatic choke controls both of which are not set to do anything as in no tension on the thermostat. Only one of the exhaust lines to the climatic chokes are hooked up so there is a port shooting exahust off of the manifold, but it looks to have been this way from day one. Any suggestions and ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[WoodieMan]

I trust you've checked that the choke is opening all the way. Also sounds like you may not be getting full advance out of the distributor; bad springs, rusty components etc. May just need some cleaning and lubrication.