1990 Sport Nautique Problems

[cuwakeboard]

Over the last couple weeks several issues have popped up. The first was a starting issue. The boat seems to start ok sometimes and very poorly other times. It seems to start better when all other electrical systems are off. This makes me think that the problem could be a wiring issue. One time it would not start, but after fiddling with the connections it did eventually start. When running the boats voltage level is at around 11.5 volts (lower than I expected).

Another issue is power. Sometimes the boat has decent power, and other times it struggles to plane out. This makes me think there is a problem with either the carburetor, fuel filter, ect. Even when running ok, it seems to not have the power it should (Takes about 10-15 seconds to pull a wakeboarder up to 20-23 mph).

Could these problems be related? Are my initial thoughts on track?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Eric

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 1990 Sport Nautique Problems

Check your alternator belt. Also, you may want to do a load test on your battery.
Maybe check your prop if it seems to not have enough power. Make sure you have the right blade on there and that it is in good shape. Any vibration?

[Nautiquehunter]

RE: 1990 Sport Nautique Problems

When you say it is hard starting what do you mean?
Does it turn over normally and not run?
Does it turn over slowly like a week battery?

[cuwakeboard]

Thanks for responding. Sometimes it starts right away - no problems. Other times it barely turns over. It does not seem to follow a pattern. I am not running any other electrical systems either - this is when the radio, lights, and bilge are all off.

Is it normal for the 351 to take >10 seconds to get up to 22 mph? I think I might have a combination of problems here.

[WakeSlayer]

11.5V is too low, regardless. You need to figure that out. Bad battery, loose belt, poor connections, etc

[cuwakeboard]

Is it possible that the gauge is wrong? - I get 12.8V off my multimeter when the motor is not running. I am running 2 batteries and a perko switch.

[WakeSlayer]

Your gauge could be reading funny, then. I thought you meant 11.5v on the batteries earlier. 12.8v on the battery is fine. You said you checked your connections. I would get the alternator tested.
My voltage gauge reads just slightly above 12v. Which I also feel is low.

[cuwakeboard]

Thanks slayer, I'll get it checked. Does anyone know a possible solution to the power issues?

[Nautiquehunter]

If the voltage is low nothing will be right. Fix the voltage problem first . If it has points Pick
up a new set with condenser I change mine yearly.

[WakeSlayer]

Agree with above. One thing at a time.

If the power issue is intermittent, I would throw a timing light on it. Is your cap loose? Points and condenser are cheap and easy. I also would check plugs, coil and wires.

Report back after checking some of the basic stuff.

[M3Fan]

Thanks slayer, I'll get it checked. Does anyone know a possible solution to the power issues?

Low voltage on a CC of that vintage is a very common issue. You can try running a temporary ground up to the dash directly from the battery and see if your voltage improves. If it does, you know it was a grounding issue.

Spade connectors get corroded, as do those push button breakers. Everything in the dash is daisy-chained together so one link in the chain of spade connectors can cause issues all around. In my 1990 SN I got nearly 2 volts simply by replacing my ignition breaker. That conclusion took about 10 hours of troubleshooting. Try the temporary additional ground, then come back to us.

[TravisFling]

Goodness. I never thought of that, but my voltage is a little on the lower side (just above 12) and I would like it at 14 or so. I like power!!!
My 351/1989 2001 gets on plane lots faster than that. It'll push you back in the seat when you hit it, and you'll definately notice it. It's not like my neighbors GT-40 (obviously) but it's not suffering a lack of power. I would say it takes 3 seconds to get on plane... you drop the hammer, about a second of hole shot, another second coming out of the hole and at the end of second three you're planing out.