Reverse rotating 460 ford???

[sjohns4]

There is no starter on the motor to see which way it spins. Is there any other way to tell without starting the motor? The firing order stamped on the intake is the same as the 460's used in automobiles. It is a single engine boat. If it does rotate the same direction as an automotive engine, the starter would have to operate backwards due to the different mounting direction.

So how do I tell?

Mike

[jehardiman]

The definitive way is to pull the cam. Buy looking at the intake and exhaust lobes of #1 cylinder you can tell which way the cam rotates, and from there the engine.

[Thunderhead19]

Pull the rocker covers off, pull the plugs out, turn the crank and watch for the firing order. simple

[cyclops]

If the firing order is the same, It rotates in the same direction. Why do you even think otherwise?-----If the prop is still on the shaft is it the same rotation as all other boats?

[phillip]

Pull the dist.cap off first and watch the dist.rotor point out the firing order as you turn the engine over. No distributor? Check the harmonic balancer timing marks,where is before t.d.c.? Where is after T.D.C.? Still can't see it? Pop off the covers like Thunderhead said. Split the firing order 1542 over 6378. When the valves on #6 cylinder are coming off of exhaust and on to intake (rocking) #1 will be firing. #3 rocking #5 firing etc. Remember when firing, the valves on that cylinder will be at the same height(closed). If valve clearance (lash) is adjustable both rocker arms will have some movement.The piston will be at or very close to top dead centre.

Hope I haven't confused you?

Phil

[phillip]

And Yes Sjohns 4 Cyclops is Right!!!

phil

[sjohns4]

Its actually hooked to a Berkley jet pump, the reason I questioned the rotation vs. the firing order is that I didnt know if they would cast different intakes for the few reverse rotating engines out there.

I'll pull the valve covers, those will no doubt need to be replaced due to age anyway.

Mike

[cyclops]

You would have to be the worlds unluckest jet boater to have someone stick a rare and valuable reverse 460 into a jet drive pump. Used boat, anything can be in it. I had a 460 Mercury Park Lane that could lay 50' of smoke. Parents were very patient with me, they replaced those bald tires. I am almost positive they came with marine cams to lay like that. About 50 years ago.

[phillip]

Probably worth your while to have a look in there anyway. It will give you an idea of what you have. Check for grey sludge and rust. The covers are probably as good as the day they were installed and should be fine. A quick inspection should tell the tale.

Good Luck

Phil

[cyclops]

I never could kill that engine.

[sjohns4]

I ment the cover gaskets. Been my expirence once a motor sets for a period of time, its not if but when oil will begin to pour out. Of course I've only dealt with GM engines to any degree and I think they are designed to leak oil.

THe motor is the only reason I am even considering the boat. I've mostly been around 4 cylinder boats, a half decent big block V8 would just be sweet!

[cyclops]

Before you lay down money. See if the internal guts are avail. and in the $$ range you can live with.

[sleekcraft26]

I just bought a boat with a 460 hooked to a berkley pump. The person I bought it from told me that the starter is wound in reverse of a conventional start due to the mounting direction. It makes them a special type of starter.

[Cary]

If it was a properly designed engine, It should be able to be turned around and swap out the timing chain etc. with the transmission etc. As well as being able to bolt on another 8 cylinders..... I prefer turbo electrics anyway.

[sjohns4]

Thanks,

I went under the assumption that the motor spins the "right" way since I found reverse rotating starters.

A local shop is rebuilding a truck starter to spin counter clockwise and adding marine shielding for around $60. Which reminds me, it should be done!

Mike