6 replies to this topic

[Cpt. Savage]

I just bought the boat a mont ago and it ran great. The only problem is it had a really bad cavitation problem. So I just replaced both carbon seals and resealed the ride shoes. Put the boat in the water cranked the left engine turned over but wouldn't fire. Tryed it again then sounded like the battery died and it wouldnt crank any more. Recycled the key and tryed the right engine cranked bit wouldnt fire. Cranked some more then acted like the battery was weak. So I pulled it out of the water and got a few more cranks out of both engines before I think the battery was completly dead. Oh by the way my boat has the single battery conversion.
So my question is, is there anything on the back end that could have caused this? When I fisrt bought it, the boat would crank and fire almost imediatly.
Also could a week battery be able to crank the engines but not be strong enough to send a spark? please help I would like toget some more use out of it this season before I have to winterize it.

[bryckhaus]

I would start by checking the spark plugs and charging it up. Also mine made a clicking noise and not cranking it was the brush on the starter so I rebuilt it.

[Cpt. Savage]

So tonight I finally had a chance to work on the boat and I got it running. the left engine smoked like it was on fire and idled at 1500 out of the water. So I pulled the plugs and they were soaked, so I cleaned them and regapped them to .022 inches. Is that correct? It just sounds like it is not enough, but the engine now idles at about 3000 rpm and smokes a lot less. I do have one question though there is a clear hose that looks like it goes from the black exhaust manifold to the purple muffler, what is that for and is water supposed to pass through it?

[bryckhaus]

The gap is right. I took a look at the 96 setup. My 98 has the hose going to the rear platform to show that cooling water is being pumped. I know water also goes in to the exhaust system not sure why, cooling or sound maybe?

[Cpt. Savage]

Great. I took the boat out today and it ran great. There was little to no cavitation at all, so I am super happy. I do have another question and this might be me being too picky. how do I keep the engines in sync? It seems like no matter what there always off by 500 or more rpm's. How do I make it so the throttles arnt so touchy, so it can be easier to keep them in sync. If I move the throttle on one engine it might increase 500 rpm or it may increase 1500. So its hard to find a sweet spot. Also what is considered a good cruising rpm. Lately i've been keeping it 5500 to 6000rpm. The reason I ask is I dont wNt to beat it.

[bryckhaus]

My throttles are not that touchy, I also dont trust one of my gauges. I have been on twin boats for a long time and can hear them hum together, its a long drawn-out hum when in sync. The manual said 35mph is cruise. But I run 40-45, usually its a short rides to the beaches.

[Cpt. Savage]

do you know what the rpm range is at that speed. I have no speedo. Thanks for the help.