slow boat

[DampDragon]

I am running out of things to fix and\or adjust. For some reason that so far eludes me, my '83 SN won't tach past 3200 WOT. :? I checked and double checked the timing, floats, power valve, throttle linkage, installed an electronic ignition (don't like dealing w\points). The engine runs smooth but I get no holeshot and no top end at all. Just consistant and smooth all day long. I checked the compression and got 125-130 all the way around. Fuel pressure never goes below 6psi on the trailer (haven't had a chance to check it on the water under a load). I also haven't had a chance to check vaccum on the water yet either. I would like to think that is may be a carb problem and there could be some way to remedy this without having to take the engine apart. After all of this, still a sea-slug. I'm going to try a carb off of a friends boat just to see if and how much of a difference it may make. I that don't give me some insight I'm thinking that it may be a stretched timing chain.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :wink:

[thevogt]

Had the same problem last summer. My solution was to rebuild the Holley 4160. The secondaries were not opening. Hope this helps.

Gary

[DampDragon]

OK, thanks.
I'll give that a shot. I've been making adjustments and changing parts and gaskets but haven't done a complete rebuild. My secondaries seem to be opening but I think that they may be either too slow(leaky diaphram), or too late(stiff spring).
I'll keep you all posted on my findings and maybe this experience may be of some use to others.
Thanks again,

Craig :viking:

[nms1991]

Did you change your sparkplugs when you changed to electronic, because you should make sure they are gapped at .035". Also did the ballst resister get bypassed. Check you exhaust system for restrictions.

[DampDragon]

Plugs are fresh and gapped, new internal resisted coil. That was my first thought when it didn't move like it should. This boat had a resistor wire and I missed it the first time. Combined with the coil, this thing didn't even want to start because the spark was really weak. Been over the ignition system and can't find anything else to fix there. Exhaust seems to be open and clear. On the trailer I can rev this thing to the moon, but in the water with a load it doesn't want to perform the way it should. It is an old boat and I've only had it for a couple of months the previous owner wasn't the mechanic type and I don't have much history on it.

[882001]

have you timed it?

[VinRLX]

And (not too off-the-wall I hope) do you have the correct prop in new condition?

[jensenbk]

I have a 93 nautique got a new rebuilt carb from carbcareusa.com 260.00.they just get full of crap over the years.

[DampDragon]

Rebuilt the carb, timing is 30deg. @ 2600 rpm, 10deg. initial. Prop is stock and in very good shape. It ran good all day Sunday but still didn't have the power.

Thanks again for the help

[Bill]

Is the motor getting fresh air to breath? You say it runs great on the trailer-- is the motor cover open and allowing fresh oxygen in? If you have a slight hole in the muffler and the motor is burning co2 it will run bad. Try running it on the water with the cover open. One other strange thing to try is the water pump and thermostat. My buddy had a boat that wuold not rev or open the secondarys and after all kinds of checks and money spent those two things turned out to be the culprit.

[DampDragon]

Water pump and thermostat????

[DampDragon]

OK everyone, update.
First, I would like to thank everyone for the support and suggestions. I FINALY found the problem. The #7 & #8 ignition wires were crossed. :oops: It didn't seem to run like you would expect it to with the wires crossed, matter of fact ran good, just no power. I never moved or changed the wiring from when I got the boat and assumed that all was well in that department. Boat runs great now, all of the power that you would expect, crisp throttle response and even idles better. :lol:

Thanks Again,
Craig

[NautiqueJeff]

Wow... At least it was an easy fix! Glad to hear it is working properly now.

[thevogt]

Good catch! Sometimes it's the easiest, and most obvious, things to fix that we overlook. Glad to hear all is well.

Gary

[ag4ever]

I changed the plugs and wires on my old f-150, and somehow I crossed a couple of wires. It ran, just was way down on power, and wanted to stumble a lot. I would have though it would not run, but I guess these things are tougher than you think.