2001 Mercruiser 5.7 EFI distributor question
 

I noticed that my engine was running rough so I decided to change the plugs wires rotor distributor cap. Sounds to me like I'm having misfire issues. I have a photo showing me the distributor rotation and engine block cylinders. On the port side are my odd cylinders and the even ones are on the starboard side.
Can someone please confirm cylinders 1 through 8 on the distributor cap?

How do I know which one is number one, number 4, number 8 on the cap itself?

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 EFI distributor question
 

On the outside of the cap, you should be able to see a "1" by the #1 post.


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Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 EFI distributor question
 

What I'm trying to find out is when the cap is completely off the distributor and all you see is the rotor. How do I know which cylinder is which?

Re: 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 EFI distributor question
 

You can not rely on pictures or advice from someone else because, if the dizzy stick was ever pulled,it could be put back in and be off by a full plug wire. The fix is to move the plug wires over a notch. So, you need to find #1 and mark it yourself. I'm sure that makes no sense but I'm known for that !!

Spin the engine by hand. Watch for the timing mark on the balancer as it's coming around to the "pointer" mounted solidly to engine. Pull the #1 plug before starting all this BTW !! (Number 1 is ALWAYS, on all engines, on the cylinder head that is farther forward. All "V" engines have one head more forward) Put your finger over the plug hole and feel for air trying to push your finger out of the hole. There are two TopDeadCenters on engines. You want the compression stroke and not the exhaust stroke. IF you're lucky the first time and can't keep your finger in the spark plug hole, keep rotating the engine till the timing mark and pointer are perfectly aligned, than your rotor bug will be pointing at TDC.
If you can keep your finger in the hole as the timing mark approaches the pointer, you are on the exhaust stroke and most rotate the engine 360 degrees.
Once you get everything lined up on the timing marks, make a Sharpie mark on your engine to where the rotor bug is pointing. Don't put the mark on the dizzy stick itself cause after you put the cap on and have to rotate the dizzy, you won't know exactly where the rotor is pointing.
So, put the cap back on and rotate the dizzy so the number 1 position is pointing towards your mark.
This is only to get you close enough so it'll start and than use the timing light.
I hope this was clear enough !!