Help I can move my distributor and affect the tuning

[jayelwin]

(Sea Ray 220 2003 with 5.0 MPI)

So I can move my distributor around its axis about 5 degrees in either direction. I had a stalling problem (ended up being the IAC) but trying to start the boat again I was fiddling with the distributor. Now the boat works well. But not until I "retuned" the position by ear. Letting the boat idle I could affect how the motor sounds with small rotations of the distributor. I got it to idle smoothly. At running speed turning the distributor affected the way the boat ran only at the extremes. So I left it at the "smoothest" sounding idle.

Now I am aware that the boat can be properly tuned. I'm not sure if being able to move the distributor is even normal. Any idea what I should do either now or during pre winter maintenance?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[dvx216]

there should be a clamp at the base of the distributor.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Use a timing light to set it correctly. Our 7.4's are 8* BTDC.

 

[Bt Doctur]

If this motor uses a crank position sensor CPS the timing is not adjustable pre se.
The ECM controls the timing and the dist is installed at #1TDC.

 

[wayne0]

You should not be able to move the distributor with out loosening the clamp.

 

[jayelwin]

Hey BT this is the motor that you replaced the head on. I remember you were able to turn the distributor as well. It's always been moveable as long as I've owned the boat. She ran great today just want to make sure it's right. I have a timing strobe I'll have to figure out how to tune it. Then I guess tighten something.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Bt Doctur]

Hello again, still have the new key in the envelope .
The dist is slightly movable to set it to #1 TDC but is not meant to adjust the timing.The ECM does all that. The ECM just needs a starting point.
How has it been running for you so far?

 

[jayelwin]

Hello again, still have the new key in the envelope .
The dist is slightly movable to set it to #1 TDC but is not meant to adjust the timing.The ECM does all that. The ECM just needs a starting point.
How has it been running for you so far?

So as long as it's running well I don't have to worry about the subtle position of the distributor? Or should I get the timing light out and get it set to #1 TDC (I would just turn it until the strobe has the lines aligned pulley to block?). Just to get the terminology correct, that would be "initial timing", no?

It's been running great. Except one evening when it would stall but I replaced the IAC and now it runs great again. That fortunately broke at 6 pm one sunday so it didn't spoil a day.

 

[Bt Doctur]

I believe I painted 2 additionqal lines on the balancer +5 and +5 degrees to check the total advance of the ecm.