Hi All,
My engine has never been "peppy" and it usually hesitates as I increase throttle. I finally completed the 2 stage compression test with the following results. Both were with a cold engine. Test 2 was done after a Tbsp of motor oil was inserted into each cylinder.
Test 1: Cylinder 1: 65 2: 50 3: 60 4: 25
Test 2: Cylinder 1: 90 2: 90 3: 80 4: 50
Remarkably higher results, which indicates "worn rings or valve guides."
More info:
I completed the block pressure test and it held 15 psi for 30 minutes. It dropped to 14 psi after about 45 minutes. I'm not convinced my test equipment (the HD pressure gauge, hose barb and plug) wasn't the source of the leak.
Spark is pale yellow, but the coil checks out fine. I do have an ammeter on the original wiring. The boat is a 1982 Catalina 30, so you know how nasty the wiring is. Batteries are new, EI and a new alternator were installed 3 years ago. Carburetor was rebuilt a month ago. Exhaust was rebuilt 2 years ago. It usually starts without too much difficulty when cold. When hot, it often needs starter fluid to convince it to go.
Here is a clip of the mighty beast running (and dying): Engine running
Since I have owned the boat (4 years now), I have been religious about 1. MMO in the fuel, 2. Running the engine for 10-15 minutes at least monthly.
Questions:
Should I repeat the block pressure test?
Would removing the ammeter get me to the desired "snappy blue spark"? (and would this have any influence on the lack of peppiness?)
How does the engine sound? Is the air sucking sound normal as throttle increases? (My A-4 is the only one I've heard run in person.)
Next steps? (Call Ken and order a short block? Pull it out and fix it? Fix it in place?)
How much overhaul can I do on a Catalina 30 in place? I've seen a lot done, but not sure if rings would be possible with the boat in the water.
I feel like I'm stepping up to the big leagues. Thanks for any/all guidance!
My engine has never been "peppy" and it usually hesitates as I increase throttle. I finally completed the 2 stage compression test with the following results. Both were with a cold engine. Test 2 was done after a Tbsp of motor oil was inserted into each cylinder.
Test 1: Cylinder 1: 65 2: 50 3: 60 4: 25
Test 2: Cylinder 1: 90 2: 90 3: 80 4: 50
Remarkably higher results, which indicates "worn rings or valve guides."
More info:
I completed the block pressure test and it held 15 psi for 30 minutes. It dropped to 14 psi after about 45 minutes. I'm not convinced my test equipment (the HD pressure gauge, hose barb and plug) wasn't the source of the leak.
Spark is pale yellow, but the coil checks out fine. I do have an ammeter on the original wiring. The boat is a 1982 Catalina 30, so you know how nasty the wiring is. Batteries are new, EI and a new alternator were installed 3 years ago. Carburetor was rebuilt a month ago. Exhaust was rebuilt 2 years ago. It usually starts without too much difficulty when cold. When hot, it often needs starter fluid to convince it to go.
Here is a clip of the mighty beast running (and dying): Engine running
Since I have owned the boat (4 years now), I have been religious about 1. MMO in the fuel, 2. Running the engine for 10-15 minutes at least monthly.
Questions:
Should I repeat the block pressure test?
Would removing the ammeter get me to the desired "snappy blue spark"? (and would this have any influence on the lack of peppiness?)
How does the engine sound? Is the air sucking sound normal as throttle increases? (My A-4 is the only one I've heard run in person.)
Next steps? (Call Ken and order a short block? Pull it out and fix it? Fix it in place?)
How much overhaul can I do on a Catalina 30 in place? I've seen a lot done, but not sure if rings would be possible with the boat in the water.
I feel like I'm stepping up to the big leagues. Thanks for any/all guidance!
Comment