Tune up

[Full-Force]

Could someone recommend a god spark plug for the PCM 351 engine in my Ski Nuatique 176? I will probably put new wires, cap and rotor on it also.

Also, I noticed the engine is smoking some from running rich, very gassy smell. Its not oil burning or water. Now my water temp seems low to me. Its only like 140 max. I think it needs to run 160ish. Maybe its not running hot enough?

Your thoughts

[gride]

Call nautiqueparts.com you could probably get away with just ordering online, but if you want to double check parts just ring them on the phone.

[Nautiquehunter]

Skidim.com

[TRBenj]

Post your engine serial number. What type of plugs you need will depend on whether you have the standard or HO heads.

140 is not far off the mark... but its a few degrees cool. The 143 deg thermostat is proper and should have it running somewhere between 150-160.

Im assuming you have a carbureted engine? If youre running rich, then you either need to adjust it properly, or rebuild it (and then adjust it properly).

[Full-Force]

I will have to look at my serial number. Its the carbed pcm 351. The manual says 260hp

[TRBenj]

If it really is the 260hp and not the 290hp, then it should take Autolite 24 plugs. Confirm that the 3rd digit in your serial number is a "D" and not a "P".

[Full-Force]

Ok, totally off subject here, but what is needed to marinize and mate up a different engine to this boat? For example what if I had an extra GM Gen 3 engine? Just a thought down the road because these engines are outstanding and live well in high rpms which would woould be ideal. Not to mention light, compact, effecient, and very powerful

[Blue Ski]

Double check the gap on the Autolite 24s. If you have the engine that it appears you have, I had the same in my old '95 SN. The gap did not meet engine specs out of the box and had to be adjusted.

[TRBenj]

Ok, totally off subject here, but what is needed to marinize and mate up a different engine to this boat? For example what if I had an extra GM Gen 3 engine? Just a thought down the road because these engines are outstanding and live well in high rpms which would woould be ideal. Not to mention light, compact, effecient, and very powerful

The long block is the cheap part. Its all the specialty marine parts that make these engines expensive. The exhaust, cooling, fuel management, accessories like the starter, alternator, (which need to be marine specific), etc.

[Rick]

PCM says that your engine should run 2000 to 2400 hours before you need an overhaul. If you have been running in salt that shortens the life of your risers and manifolds but as long as they are changed before you flood the engine you should be OK