What is difference between 3.8L & 4.3L distributor besides even & semi-even firing?
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From: Denver. NC
What is difference between 3.8L & 4.3L distributor besides even & semi-even firing?
Hi guys & thanks for helping a forum newbie,
I am in the process of replacing a 3.8L marine engine originally supplied with my boat that recently expired due to a cracked block, with a 1985/86 vintage 4.3L long block rebuilt by S&J Engines. I’m reusing as many of the 3.8L parts as feasible such as the manifolds, oil pan, water pump, & accessories, however I have a wierd distributor problem.
I know that I need a 4.3L even-fire type distributor to replace the semi-even fire type used on the 3.8L, however I noticed another problem: when checking the fit of the 4.3L engine with heads and intake manifold installed using the 3.8L distributor, I find that the distributor does not engage the oil pump intermediate shaft because the intermediate shaft is too short by ½”, yet the distributor drive gear engages the camshaft gear perfectly. What am I overlooking? Are 3.8L oil pump intermediate shafts shorter than 4.3L intermediate shafts? Or is a 3.8L distributor gear dimensionally different (shorter) than a 4.3L distributor gear?
Thanks for your help.
Bart
I am in the process of replacing a 3.8L marine engine originally supplied with my boat that recently expired due to a cracked block, with a 1985/86 vintage 4.3L long block rebuilt by S&J Engines. I’m reusing as many of the 3.8L parts as feasible such as the manifolds, oil pan, water pump, & accessories, however I have a wierd distributor problem.
I know that I need a 4.3L even-fire type distributor to replace the semi-even fire type used on the 3.8L, however I noticed another problem: when checking the fit of the 4.3L engine with heads and intake manifold installed using the 3.8L distributor, I find that the distributor does not engage the oil pump intermediate shaft because the intermediate shaft is too short by ½”, yet the distributor drive gear engages the camshaft gear perfectly. What am I overlooking? Are 3.8L oil pump intermediate shafts shorter than 4.3L intermediate shafts? Or is a 3.8L distributor gear dimensionally different (shorter) than a 4.3L distributor gear?
Thanks for your help.
Bart
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