calhoun,

Sorry I left that out. That is a good point It's a 1997. Do I need to
disconnect anything when doing the timing?. The only 2 things I noticed
that were connected to the distributor was 2 wires. I know with both of
them unplugged it doesn't start.

"calhoun" wrote in message
.. .

"nate" wrote in message
...
ok,

350 gm mercruiser.

I had a burnt valve. I took the head in to the machine shop and had it
replaced. I put it back together, did the timing ect. It is running a
lot better, but doesn't seem to have the full power. On the engine it
says that the max rpm should be 4400 - 4800. Although I only seem to be
getting 4200 at the most. Also it seems a little slugish out of the
hole. I checked the compression on all clyinders and they are all very
good. (160-170). I feel as though it might have something to do with the
timing. I read in a book that the timing mark should hit in the same
spot everytime. It's pretty close but seems to very about 2-3 degrees
each time. Might this be the issue?

Any thoughts on what the problem might be here?

You have had this running 44-4800 at some time? If it never ran that speed
than you need a smaller pitch prop.
If it did run at speed and all you changed was the head than timing may be
an issue. Advance it 2 degrees at a time till you hear knock. See if that
picks it up a bit.
You did follow the timing instructions and remove/plug correct hoses or
disconnect certain wires (you didn't mention the year so I don't know what
kind of ignition you have)