Appreciate all the help guys.

Sorry to hear about it! Is today better?

I was really hoping for a successful test yesterday. Stuff happens. The title of this thread was the result of a number of frustrations all at once.

Today? Better. The weather is a little iffy today so I may not work on it today.

I’ll probably order modules for the distributors just to go ahead rule those out as issues. They’re from 1998 so I’m sure they’re due.

I believe your idle circuit is too rich. I set my idle 13.7 and as much timing as I can. My new EFI setups needed me to up idle timing to 32° so it wouldn't stall during shift. I ran 2 different timing curves with those cams; locked 35° and 28°-36° High Idle on my Crane HI-6M's. I only netted 8° not the 10° it advertised, my light could have been off too.

do you know the specs?
as for the idle in gear,,its time to strap that boat to the dock and w/ a friend start trying different timing and idle screw adjustments till it goes in and out of gear.and like you said,,carb could be totally f-ed up.

I baselined the carbs and got idle down on the trailer but agree that it’s probably f-ed and needs tuning in gear. Agree that the way to do it is while strapped into a slip.

Something I ran across when modifying the ecm bin files on my Camaro years ago, is that ign timing has a significant effect on WB02 readings. I agree, get a good timing light with adv capability and see what's up with the timing before condemning the carbs.

FWIW, my boat came with MSD marine ign. With the exception of the dist mechanical adv rusting and a box failure, its worked pretty well. The rusting was addressed by replacing the springs and spraying corrosion inhibitor on them. 5 years later, no more rust. Also carry a spare ign box now.

Edit: Mounting the MSD boxes to the boat as opposed to the eng, seems to make them last much longer. Don't think they like vibration.

"Edit: Mounting the MSD boxes to the boat as opposed to the eng, seems to make them last much longer. Don't think they like vibration."Last edited by zz28zz; Today at 01:56 PM.

That's where mine was mounted for 15 years, away from engine heat and vibration. Still have the box and it still works fine. Treated the Pro Billet as well.

For idle tuning/set up, I back the trailer in at the ramp and leave the boat strapped to the trailer.

Way easier/safer than at dock.
Done that a bunch of times if no other choice but on trailer is #1 pick.

Tom - best money I ever spent was my Daytona Sensors ignition.

Hope you get it sorted while there is still some summer left