The boat is a '66, Soverel 28 with the original Atomic 4 (late model). Someone had installed a nice electronic ignition from Indigo (XR700) so I paid for the upgrade to the (XR3000) and put in 2 new batteries.
The carb was brand new and installed by me because I didn't trust the old one. The PO rebuilt the old one several times thinking that's why he was having issues, however, it turns out I found out why later during sea trials. (it was an old and early version and not even the one suppose to be on the engine. Another reason for the replacement.
The engine ran during tests on the stands, and we ran for two hours upriver to our marina @ 1200-1600 rpm which got us 5.5-6 knots. Hull speed on this boat under power is probably maxed @ 6-7 knots. I've never seen it get higher RPM wise than 1800 under load. I have seen as high as 2500 with no load however, I never like taking an engine that high for "no reason". The gauges read erratically, so I replaced those. Decided to run her out at sea to test my handiwork.
Took the boat out for sea trials, and it failed miserably. Just stopped running at @ 1600-1800 on our way back to the dock. I mean it acted like someone turned off a switch. Oil pressure was good and temps were at 140F (RWC) prior to. Tried to start it but it didn't want to start. Turns out I forgot to close the RWC inlet valve at the beginning of this event, and after I had tried to start it several times I did eventually remember to do that.
I suspected I had crap in the tank/fuel system by sighting black crap floating in my fuel. I replaced the tank, fuel lines, filters, and plugs.
Popped the top off the carb and blew all that black crap out of it. Didn't mess with any of the ports, or nozzles. Just popped the top, changed the gasket, put the float back and put the top back on. Used lots of carb cleaner. Put that back in. She ran for maybe 15 seconds and died again.
Changed the oil till it ran clear because it had water in it. 3.75 gallons worth of 5w-30. Finished up with 10w-30 conventional.
Pulled the plugs, and replaced them. Cranked the engine via starter to blow all the water out of the compression chambers with the spark plugs off. Plugs 3 & 4 blew like Ol Faithful. Put MMO in all 4 holes. Let that sit overnight.
Finally found a compression tester. #1@80, #2@45, #3-62, #4-0 or 10. Readings could be way off because of water, however, I am probably wishful thinking. It takes a while for #4 to push my thumb away.
The carb has (or had) a puddle in the intake when I last saw it. Had to put the batteries on charge overnight to continue work on it today. Plugs were left off and covered with a paper towel "to dry out". Got a strong spark, and strong voltage readings that are solid so I've got that going for me. Probably the only thing I got going at this point.
I am hoping someone here can help cause I may be in over my head. I am no slouch in engine mechanics and can turn a wrench. I have been following directions where ever I could find a solution, however, this seems to be boggling my mind. Thanks.
The carb was brand new and installed by me because I didn't trust the old one. The PO rebuilt the old one several times thinking that's why he was having issues, however, it turns out I found out why later during sea trials. (it was an old and early version and not even the one suppose to be on the engine. Another reason for the replacement.
The engine ran during tests on the stands, and we ran for two hours upriver to our marina @ 1200-1600 rpm which got us 5.5-6 knots. Hull speed on this boat under power is probably maxed @ 6-7 knots. I've never seen it get higher RPM wise than 1800 under load. I have seen as high as 2500 with no load however, I never like taking an engine that high for "no reason". The gauges read erratically, so I replaced those. Decided to run her out at sea to test my handiwork.
Took the boat out for sea trials, and it failed miserably. Just stopped running at @ 1600-1800 on our way back to the dock. I mean it acted like someone turned off a switch. Oil pressure was good and temps were at 140F (RWC) prior to. Tried to start it but it didn't want to start. Turns out I forgot to close the RWC inlet valve at the beginning of this event, and after I had tried to start it several times I did eventually remember to do that.
I suspected I had crap in the tank/fuel system by sighting black crap floating in my fuel. I replaced the tank, fuel lines, filters, and plugs.
Popped the top off the carb and blew all that black crap out of it. Didn't mess with any of the ports, or nozzles. Just popped the top, changed the gasket, put the float back and put the top back on. Used lots of carb cleaner. Put that back in. She ran for maybe 15 seconds and died again.
Changed the oil till it ran clear because it had water in it. 3.75 gallons worth of 5w-30. Finished up with 10w-30 conventional.
Pulled the plugs, and replaced them. Cranked the engine via starter to blow all the water out of the compression chambers with the spark plugs off. Plugs 3 & 4 blew like Ol Faithful. Put MMO in all 4 holes. Let that sit overnight.
Finally found a compression tester. #1@80, #2@45, #3-62, #4-0 or 10. Readings could be way off because of water, however, I am probably wishful thinking. It takes a while for #4 to push my thumb away.
The carb has (or had) a puddle in the intake when I last saw it. Had to put the batteries on charge overnight to continue work on it today. Plugs were left off and covered with a paper towel "to dry out". Got a strong spark, and strong voltage readings that are solid so I've got that going for me. Probably the only thing I got going at this point.
I am hoping someone here can help cause I may be in over my head. I am no slouch in engine mechanics and can turn a wrench. I have been following directions where ever I could find a solution, however, this seems to be boggling my mind. Thanks.
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