Setting Base Timing on Excalibur 330 - MEFI 4

[chevyspy]

So I got my boat back together including the engine (PCM Excalibur 330) and I started it for the first time yesterday. I am happy to report that it fired right up and ran great, however I did not want to rev it up due to having not set the base timing. In talking about the base timing of the engine, I was told it can be done in two ways. The first way would be to obtain the $500 tool that allows you to connect to the ECM connector and set the cam retard on the LCD display of the tool. The second way I was told was to jump the A & B terminals of the ECM connector to put the ECM into "service mode" which removes the computer controlled advance and allows you to set the base timing by rotating the distributor. I opted for the second way since I don't have access to the $500 tool. After jumping terminals A & B I noticed that the rpm increased slightly. I tried to adjust the distributor to get the timing mark to move but it stays in the same spot. I tried a number of things (timing light adjustment, connecting/disconnecting ECM connector, connecting/disconnnecting IAC) to try to get the timing mark to move when I rotate the distributor and nothing seems to be working. Any advice?

[scuff97]

The MEFI controller uses the crank sensor and the dist sensor to set cam retard only. this MUST be set using the Diacom software to 45 degrees. There is no ability to set timing. This is all a funtion of the computor. The crank sensor uses a wheel behind the timing cover to mark number one and control the sprk from there. When you turn the distributor you are simply aligning the spark thru the distributor cap

[Andy3535]

Hi
This wil help
PCM Service Update
Information on Setting CAM Retard
#SUP2003-06
This is an informational update in order to provide you with some information that may assist you in setting the CAM
retard on ALL 2002-2004 PCM 5.0L (Pro Ski) and 5.7L (Excalibur) engines.
The ignition system on the affected engines is unique to any ignition system PCM has built in the past. There could
be a misunderstanding as to what a technician is doing to the engine when the distributor assembly is rotated. In
the past, rotating the distributor would advance or retard the ignition timing. This was done in order to properly set
the base ignition timing.
However, when rotating the distributor on the affected engines, you are not setting ignition timing. The ignition timing is
not affected by rotating the distributor. The ignition timing is 100% computer controlled on these applications.
When rotating the distributor on the affected engines, you are adjusting what is called “CAM Retard.” This parameter
represents the position of the distributor rotor relative to the proper terminal in the distributor cap when the spark
is delivered. This parameter MUST be 43-47 degrees or driveability problems will exist. Some of the symptoms, but
not limited to, are as follows:
• Backfi re
• Loss of power
• Sluggish
• Hesitation
In order to properly set the CAM retard, one of the following scan tools MUST be used:
Hand-held Scan Tool: PC Based Diagnostic Software:
Rinda Techmate Diacom
(Purchased through Rinda (Purchased through PCM,
Technologies, P/N 94040) P/N RT0086)
1. Hook up the scan tool or laptop to the data link connector.
2. Per the tool instructions, navigate through the tool in order to view ECM data.
3. Find the engine parameter labelled “CAM Retard.”
4. Engine must be running in order to view the CAM Retard value.
5. CAM Retard value MUST be set at 43-47 degrees. If the value is within speci cations, make sure the
distributor hold down bolt is tight.
6. If the value is outside the speci cations, loosen the distributor hold down bolt and slowly rotate the distributor until
a value of 43-47 degrees is achieved. Tighten the hold down bolt securely, making sure the CAM Retard value
does not go outside of the speci cation. Once the distributor hold down is tightened, verify the value still remains
between 43-47 degrees.
Important: The basic principle that the distributor must be installed into the engine properly still exists. If the proper
CAM Retard cannot be achieved, check the installation of the distributor.
Engines Affected: 2002-2004 5.0L MPI (Pro Ski) ALL Model Number: Last Digit “M”
2002-2004 5.7L MPI (Excalibur) ALL
Published by Pleasurecraft Engine Group Training Services. Pleasurecraft’s policy of continued improvement creates dated information and necessitates changes in procedures, speci cations
and methods used in trouble shooting and repair. In the event you have any questions regarding any of our products, the most up to date information may be obtained by contacting our
service department to insure that any published information in your possession has not been updated. The information in the publication is believed to be true and correct at the time of
publication. This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee or warranty or in any way change or modify the written warranty, which is attached to
PCM Products at the time of sale. The knowledge of this publication, the information revealed herein and/or the possession of this publication grants no license or authority to anyone
to perform any action or make any statement or commitment, beyond the speci c instructions stated herein, in behalf of or in the name of Pleasurecraft Engine Group. It is the sole
responsibility of those using the information contained herein, to follow industry standard and common sense safety procedures when using the information contained herein and those
using the information contained herein agree to defend and hold Pleasurecraft Engine Group harmless in all cases where injury and/or damage may occur during the use and/or application
of the information contained herein.

It is well worth investing the money in the Techmate tool.(Rinda ) ($350 ?)
Andy (Germany)

[lilet]

Do you know where can I find a service manual for PCM excalibur 5.7L?

[laurie88]

cam retard

dont know what year engine you have but I had same problem with backfiring on my engine which is year 2006.
I seem to remember the correct setting for this year engine was 7 degrees and another supplement was issued by PCM to refelect this???. Check previous posts

I hooked up the software and found my cam retard to be - 10 degrees. turned distr to 7 degrees while watching lap top screen and engine runs smooth.

[scuff97]

2006 should be MEFI set at 45 degrees

[Andy3535]

It really pisses me off when a person asks for advice and gets various reply's and help from people but cannot be bothered to say thanks.....
Shame On You
Andy

[gride]

Anyone want to try getting a group buy on the diacom?

[JUST-IN-TIME]

they will not do it
we at am-tech barley get a deal

i will loan you my cable for a $600 deposit thou

[Fluid63]

OBD Diagnostics, Inc have a MEFI-4 compatible scan tool and basic software for $195.

Would this basic tool provide the correct information for setting the can retard?

I have been running my new 330 excel for around 60 hr's with the Can retard set "as is" when I reinstalled the distributer. The engine has been running fine. But now I'm curious if it would run better if I set it correctly or maybe I am just real lucky and got the correct setting by chance....?

[JUST-IN-TIME]

It could run better, the later years you can not adjust timing it's automatically corrected

[AirTool]

I have been running my new 330 excel for around 60 hr's with the Can retard set "as is" when I reinstalled the distributer. The engine has been running fine. But now I'm curious if it would run better if I set it correctly or maybe I am just real lucky and got the correct setting by chance....?

Has your check engine light ever come on? In the autos, the light will come on if it is out of spec. I don't know about the marine engines but I would hope so.

In my 99 Tahoe, there is only a 4 degree window. Out of the window and the code P1345 is thrown. Now...for fun...I've turned the distributor quite a bit in either direction and it doesn't seem to make any difference until I get pretty far like maybe 20 degrees. There are 45 degrees between each plug wire so 20 is almost half and I suspect spark starts jumping around.

Having said all that, it would be nice to know if a code is thrown. Maybe somebody can tell us. I set the retard on my Tahoe w/o a scan tool. The procedure was:

In the OBD2 auto, the computer checks the retard at startup and then it is reset after the throttle is moved.
So what I did is moved the distributor a little at a time until the light went out. I had to turn the engine off and restart and pump the throttle each time.
Incremented until the light went off and marked the distributor position....then kept incrementing until the light came back on ....about 4 degrees and marked that location. Then I set the distributor between the two marks....and the light cleared itself again.

Not sure how the marine logic is set up.

One thing to be absolutely clear....rotating the distributor will not change your ignition timing.

[Fluid63]

No, I haven't had the check engine light come on,also no fault codes, and thanks I know the timing is not adjustable with the distributor.

When I assembled the eng and reinstalled the distributor, I just found TDC on cylinder 1 compression stroke and lined up the stamped No.8 under the rotor with the pointer cast into the distributor housing ( same as you would for a standard GM Vortec engine). At that setting I clamped it down snug and started the engine has run well ever since?

• 
  

I would still be intrested to see what it is actually set at? I have checked and my engine is running the MEFI-4 ECM.
I am asking around a few friends to see if I can lend a scan tool, will keep you posted.

Anyone used the MEFIBurn software or the http://www.obd2allinone.com/sc/detai...item=mefiscan1

[wakedog01]

I have the MEFI Scan software and cable. However, I have the PCM 5.7L Apex with MEFI-3 and not the Excalibur. It works as advertised on their website.

[Fluid63]

Thanks wakedog01