Boat Motor

[Mike Alston]

Hi All,

I have a 350 chevy smallblock boat inboard, last trip out it started blowing black smoke and black soot.

Any ideas on why this has happened ?

I am going to set the ignition timing and see if this helps.

I think this should be set to 4 degress before top dead centre, is this correct ?

Cheers,
Mike

 

[zora]

More likely a carburetor issue. Concerning the timing you have to find out from the boat manufacturer. Chevrolet has been making 350's for decades and depending on what year, what cam, what compression, etc. the timing can vary all over the place. On a car typically to curve a distributor for high performance you install a spring kit with a stop bushing and set the total mechanical advance to 36 degrees. The initial timing becomes of no concern but typically is in the range of 10 degrees to 16 degrees. If the engine has a code stamped on the block pad and it had an automotive application you could than check what the specs. were for that car.

 

[Chuzz]

I agree with Zora about a possible carb problem. Pull your plugs and see how they look. As far as the timing goes, just time it by ear once you get the carb set and see how it does. As mentioned by Zora, you may be just shooting in the dark until you figure out what year that engine is.

 

[Mike Alston]

Hi All,

I sorted black smoke problem.

The choke plate was staying closed, the bar corrected to the temp spring and plate had fallen off, causing the plate not to open.

Nice and simple lucky.

Thanks for your help.

Mike