'84 Ski Nautique starts but won't run over 2000 rpm

[MuskokaCanada]

We didn't get a chance to use the boat last year so it stayed winterized all summer. Ugh! Went to get it going this year and wouldn't start. Cleaned the carb which was replaced the year before and replaced the fuel pump. Now it starts but won't go over 2000 rpm. The local tech is out of ideas. Another local tech suggests the first one installed the wrong fuel pump and apparently these Holley carbs are super sensitive to fuel pressure.

Does this sound like it makes sense?

[Quinner]

A super easy item to check is the anti-siphon valve, they can get gummed up over time and restrict fuel flow. Should be a brass fitting at the top of the fuel tank in the fuel supply line

[MuskokaCanada]

What the tech says we're seeing is fuel being dumped into the carb and not getting a fine enough mist of fuel to burn. I can't speak to how accurate this statement is but if he's right we sure don't have a lack of fuel.

[TRBenj]

Is the timing advancing?

[MuskokaCanada]

I don't think so.

[TRBenj]

That would limit your rpm's to about 2k... And it wouldn't run very good up to it either.

Confirm with a light but plan on getting the weights and springs moving freely again.

[MuskokaCanada]

Thanks Benj. I'll get that checked.

[MuskokaCanada]

Tech had the spark plug wires all mixed up. Fixed now but it took a long time to figure out the right order.

[Tryathlete]

Rule number one for me is "what was touched last". Rule number 2 is to only make one significant change at a time. If I rebuild an engine, and it ran fine beforehand it pays to save the carb rebuild and ignition overhaul for after its running. Sad to say, learned this habit from aircraft accident investigation classes. Plug wires mixed up, and your mechanic didn't spot that immediately bugs me a bit.


Sooner or later your toys own you