1988 Crusader Marine 350 Engine Manual

The 1988 Crusader Marine 350 is a 5.7L V8 marine engine designed for inboard marine applications. This engine features electronic ignition, four-barrel carburetor, freshwater cooling system, and marine-specific components for saltwater operation. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service procedures.

1. Engine Specifications 2. Installation Guidelines 3. Operation Procedures 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Fuel System 6. Cooling System 7. Electrical System 8. Ignition System 9. Lubrication System 10. Troubleshooting 11. Service Procedures

Engine Specifications

Key technical data for the Crusader Marine 350 engine.

Specification	Description
Engine Type	V8, 4-stroke, gasoline
Displacement	5.7L (350 cubic inches)
Bore x Stroke	4.00" x 3.48"
Compression Ratio	8.5:1
Horsepower	250 HP @ 4400 RPM
Torque	330 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System	4-barrel marine carburetor
Ignition System	Electronic breakerless
Cooling System	Freshwater closed cooling
Lubrication	Wet sump, full pressure

Installation Guidelines

Proper engine installation procedures for marine applications.

Engine alignment: Align engine to transmission within 0.004" tolerance.
Mounting: Use marine-grade engine mounts; secure with Grade 8 bolts.
Exhaust system: Install water-cooled exhaust manifolds and risers.
Fuel system: Install marine-grade fuel lines with anti-siphon valve.
Electrical: Connect marine-rated battery cables and grounding system.

WARNING! Engine is heavy; use proper lifting equipment. Ensure all connections are marine-rated for saltwater operation.

Operation Procedures

Starting, running, and shutdown procedures.

Pre-start check: Verify oil level, coolant level, and fuel supply.
Starting: Turn key to ON position; wait for fuel pump to prime; start engine.
Warm-up: Allow engine to reach operating temperature (160°F) before applying load.
Operation: Maintain RPM below 4400 during normal operation.
Shutdown: Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes before turning off.

CAUTION! Never operate engine without proper water flow to cooling system.

Maintenance Schedule

Every 50 hours: Check engine oil level, coolant level, belt tension.
Every 100 hours: Change engine oil and filter.
Every 200 hours: Replace fuel filter, inspect spark plugs.
Every 500 hours: Replace coolant, inspect water pump impeller.
Annually: Winterize if in freezing climate, inspect exhaust system.
Every 2 years: Replace ignition wires and distributor cap.

Fuel System

Four-barrel marine carburetor with mechanical fuel pump.

Carburetor: Marine-rated 4-barrel, adjustable idle mixture, choke operation.

Fuel pump: Mechanical, 6-8 PSI pressure. Fuel filter: Replace every 200 hours or annually. Anti-siphon valve: Required by USCG regulations. Fuel requirements: 87 octane minimum, ethanol-blended fuels acceptable with proper additives.

Cooling System

Freshwater closed cooling with heat exchanger.

Raw water pump: Belt-driven, replace impeller every 500 hours.
Heat exchanger: Maintain 50/50 coolant mixture.
Thermostat: Opens at 160°F; replace if engine runs cold or overheats.
Temperature sender: Monitors engine temperature for gauge operation.

Tip: Always check for water flow from exhaust after starting engine.

Electrical System

12-volt DC system with alternator and starter.

Alternator: 65-amp output, marine-rated for spark suppression.
Starter: Marine-rated solenoid, heat-shielded for fire protection.
Battery: Group 27 marine starting battery recommended.
Wiring: All wiring marine-grade tinned copper with proper fusing.
Grounding: Engine block to battery negative; bonding system connection.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before servicing electrical components.

Ignition System

Electronic breakerless ignition with distributor.

Distributor: Electronic module, no points to adjust.
Spark plugs: AC MR43T or equivalent, gap 0.035".
Ignition timing: 8° BTDC at idle, 34° total advance.
Coil: Oil-filled, marine-rated for moisture protection.
Wires: Marine-rated suppression wires, replace every 2 years.

WARNING! Keep ignition components dry; inspect for corrosion regularly.

Lubrication System

Full-pressure wet sump lubrication system.

Oil capacity: 5 quarts with filter. Oil type: SAE 30 marine engine oil or 15W-40 diesel oil. Oil pressure: 35-45 PSI at operating temperature, 15 PSI minimum at idle. Oil pump: Gear-type, driven by camshaft. Filter: Spin-on type, replace with oil change.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression	Check fuel delivery, spark at plugs, compression test.
Overheating	Cooling system issues	Check raw water flow, thermostat, heat exchanger.
Low oil pressure	Oil level, pump, or bearing wear	Check oil level; inspect oil pump and bearings.
Rough running	Ignition or fuel system	Check spark plugs, wires, carburetor adjustment.
Backfiring	Timing or carburetor issues	Check ignition timing, carburetor mixture settings.

Reset: None required for mechanical systems.

Service: Contact authorized Crusader Marine dealer for technical support.