Error code 520800 7. 2008 343 excal

[Willhamm]

2008 343 excal. Had 2 cracked heads (engine still ran fine. No lights) after removing them, i see the block was also ate up with corrosion so I had a new long block installed. Now i am getting an eng warning light. It will idle all day long, at 1500rpm light comes on after 24seconds. At 2k rpm it comes on 8 seconds.
The timing is set to specs 16* retard. We tried adjusting timing and it helps with light but eventually still comes on.
code 520800 7.
Anyone see or hear of this before?

[jpwhit]

See the attached Service Bulletin on setting timing on Excalibur engines. That error code isn't in the typical format that I recognize.

#SUP2003-06
PCM Service Update Information on Setting CAM Retard

This is an informational update in order to provide you with some information that may assist you in setting the CAM
retard on ALL 2002-2004 PCM 5.0L (Pro Ski) and 5.7L (Excalibur) engines.
The ignition system on the affected engines is unique to any ignition system PCM has built in the past. There could
be a misunderstanding as to what a technician is doing to the engine when the distributor assembly is rotated. In
the past, rotating the distributor would advance or retard the ignition timing. This was done in order to properly set
the base ignition timing.
However, when rotating the distributor on the affected engines, you are not setting ignition timing. The ignition timing is
not affected by rotating the distributor. The ignition timing is 100% computer controlled on these applications.
When rotating the distributor on the affected engines, you are adjusting what is called “CAM Retard.” This parameter
represents the position of the distributor rotor relative to the proper terminal in the distributor cap when the spark
is delivered. This parameter MUST be 43-47 degrees or driveability problems will exist. Some of the symptoms, but
not limited to, are as follows:
• Backfi re
• Loss of power
• Sluggish
• Hesitation
In order to properly set the CAM retard, one of the following scan tools MUST be used:
Hand-held Scan Tool: PC Based Diagnostic Software:
Rinda Techmate Diacom
(Purchased through Rinda (Purchased through PCM,
Technologies, P/N 94040) P/N RT0086)
1. Hook up the scan tool or laptop to the data link connector.
2. Per the tool instructions, navigate through the tool in order to view ECM data.
3. Find the engine parameter labelled “CAM Retard.”
4. Engine must be running in order to view the CAM Retard value.
5. CAM Retard value MUST be set at 43-47 degrees. If the value is within specification, make sure the
distributor hold down bolt is tight.
6. If the value is outside the specification, loosen the distributor hold down bolt and slowly rotate the distributor until
a value of 43-47 degrees is achieved. Tighten the hold down bolt securely, making sure the CAM Retard value
does not go outside of the specification. Once the distributor hold down is tightened, verify the value still remains
between 43-47 degrees.
Important: The basic principle that the distributor must be installed into the engine properly still exists. If the proper
CAM Retard cannot be achieved, check the installation of the distributor.
Engines Affected: 2002-2004 5.0L MPI (Pro Ski) ALL Model Number: Last Digit “M”
2002-2004 5.7L MPI (Excalibur) ALL
Published by Pleasurecraft Engine Group Training Services. Pleasurecraft’s policy of continued improvement creates dated information and necessitates changes in procedures, speci cations
and methods used in trouble shooting and repair. In the event you have any questions regarding any of our products, the most up to date information may be obtained by contacting our
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of the information contained herein.

[Willhamm]

Thank you for that info. I will look into it deeper but i have a 2008 so sure it pertains to my problem.
btw, the boat runs fine with no loss of power, just feels like there is a miss fire and light comes on. When i shut down and restart, light goes out until i reach rpm higher than 1400

[jpwhit]

Having the Cam Retard set wrong can cause misfire. And a misfire will set the check engine light. The Cam Retard basically is setting the position of the terminal on the distributor cap relative to the rotor position when the coil fires. If it's set wrong, the distance between the rotor and the correct pin in the distributor cap will be too far and the plug won't fire, or worse case, the spark will jump to the wrong pin and fire the wrong plug.

[Willhamm]

Yes I understand that that. We set the distributor (cam retard) to the 16* spec listed on the info sticker on engine and according to dealer. Thats why its blowing our minds.
again, everything thing set to specs, cranks and runs fine. I can feel what feels like a slight miss and when rpm is increased, the light comes on.
Could oil have something to do with it?
i read it gets its advance from when oil pressure increases. That makes since that something is not advancing as it should.

[Willhamm]

Issue resolved. There was an update that stated a certain range of engine serial numbers require that retard to be set at six. The dealer i took it to did not have that info. Once the correct retard was set, no more light or misfire. Go figure.
however when i put it in the water to finish up the top end break in, after about 20min of operation, i got it to 3600rpm and motor shut down. I briefly tried to crank but was very sluggish. Checked batteries and both were still at 12.5.
Any ideas?

[JayG80]

What is the preferred engine RPM during CAM Retard adjustment?

My 2007 Excalibur 330 with ECM-07 was originally specified at 0-4 degrees. I recently discovered the SUP (see below) thanks to Planet Nautique. The SUP says 6-8 degrees.

I hooked up the Diacom cable and the CAM Retard at idle was -1.5 degrees and I adjusted to +8 degrees at idle. I started thinking that maybe the engine should be at 1,000 rpm during the adjustment. I went back the next day and checked the CAM Retard at other RPMs -- and it is:

650 rpm +8.0 degrees.
1,400 rpm +7.5 degrees
2,560 rpm +7.0 degrees.

Nautique Parts.com does sell the engine cowl decal listing new CAM Retard


Here it is PCM Service Update PRODUCT INFORMATION UPDATE Updated CAM Retard Specification for 2007-2008 Engines #SUP2009-01 February, 2009

This Product Information Update supersedes SUP2006-04, Information on Setting CAM Retard PCM 5.0L (Pro Ski) and 5.7L (Excalibur) engines, serial number range 470001 through 485993. When rotating the distributor on the affected engine, you are adjusting what is called “CAM Retard.” This parameter represents the position of the distributor rotor relative to the proper terminal in the distributor cap when the spark is delivered. The specification indicated for this engine is 0-4 degrees. If the engine is set at 0 degrees, under certain precise RPM, temperature and load conditions, the engine can “crossfire.” This means the spark jumps to the wrong terminal within the distributor. This can cause a slight backfire or sputtering under this condition. To ensure this condition does not exist, CAM Retard should be set between 6-8 degrees on engines between serial numbers 470001-485993. This is a correction made to the tune-up specifications and should be checked and set to specification during normal service intervals. In most cases, the problem does not exist. This is not an update that requires you to have the customer bring the boat in specifically for this update, it can be simply done during normal tune-up and/or commissioning procedures. A new specification decal needs to be installed after the adjustment is made. Contact PCM in order to receive updated specification decals, p/n R143170B-U, which indicates the correct CAM Retard specification. NOTE: Engines built starting with serial number 485994 have been changed to a new specification (15 +/- 2 Degrees) and circuit diagnostics added. These engines DO NOT need to be changed.

In order to properly set the CAM retard, the following scan tool MUST be used: PC Based Diagnostic Software: Diacom Diagnostic Software, Marine Edition, by Rinda Technologies, Inc. Available for purchase through PCM, P/N RT0086. 1. Connect the laptop to the engine’s data link connector. 2. Per the tool instructions, navigate the tool to view ECM data. 3. Find the engine parameter labeled “CAM Retard.”

4. Engine must be running in order to view the CAM Retard value. 5. CAM Retard value MUST be set between 6-8 degrees. If the value is within specifications, make sure the distributor hold down bolt is tight. 6. If the value is outside the specifications, loosen the distributor hold down bolt and slowly rotate the distributor until a value of 6-8 degrees is achieved. Tighten the hold down bolt securely, making sure the CAM Retard value does not go outside of the specification. Once the distributor hold down is tightened, verify the value still remains between 6-8 degrees. Important: The basic principle that the distributor must be installed into the engine properly still exists. If the proper CAM Retard cannot be achieved, check the installation of the distributor. 7. Clean the surface of the old specification decal and install new specification decal, p/n R143170B-U.

Engines Affected: 2007-2008 5.0L MPI (Pro Sport) ALL S/N: 470001-485993 2007-2008 5.7L MPI (Excalibur) ALL