Still have port engine problems! - Page 2

piperca · Jul-16-2006, 11:19 PM

You've addressed the issue relating to the ignition system, but if it's the carb, why would it be doing this? Again, just trying to understand.

Something I didn't mention. When she dies, it takes a little effort to get her started again. I have to let her sit for a while and use the throttle to pump fuel into the carb. Would this be a symptom of ignition? She also gave a small puff of smoke from the arrestor too.

I know I'm on the right track, since the work I've already done has made a great improvement.

25 FB Skippy · Jul-16-2006, 11:31 PM

I look at it this way. You have pressure and volume. If you have a partial blockage in the fuel system or a acellerator pump that is weak you are going to have enough fuel pressure for the engine to run but only to a certain load. At this point the volume can't keep up and then the engine will loose power.

piperca · Jul-16-2006, 11:42 PM

I noticed, too, that if I suspected it was about to give up (needle of gauge starting to fluctuate) and, anticipating this, I returned the throttle to neutral, the engine would continue to run at idle. I'm guessing there's going to be a lot of troubleshooting before this is resolved.

bertram31 · Jul-16-2006, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piperca

She also gave a small puff of smoke from the arrestor too.
.

Is this a backfire of any sort. Backfiring through the carb is a teltale sign of ignition being retarded. There are other issues that can cause the ignition to be retarded not just from how the distributor is installed. Voltage problems can affect and cause ignition sympton situations.

Sorry this kind of trouble shooting over the internet is difficult, and I am not one to recommend buying stuff in a half blind attempt to fix it. Get that alternator checked out though. It takes proper voltage to keep an engine running properely.

Good luck,
Jack

piperca · Jul-16-2006, 11:54 PM

Thanks, Jack, I'll have the alternator checked tomorrow.

As far as the backfire situation; the engine did not backfire at all, but, like I said, there was a small puff of smoke emitted from the arrestor.

I have alleviated much of the problem through the work I've already done, so I'm still leaning towards fuel, but I will check out the ignition system fully.

bertram31 · Jul-16-2006, 11:57 PM

There is a good chance the puff of smoke was just a misfire due to lack of fuel and the engine was still kind of trying to run.

I had a 24 skip before that had crap on the bottom of the tank and would block the pick up. That was a tough one to find.

Jack

piperca · Jul-17-2006, 05:55 PM

UPDATE:

I pulled the port carb off and took it down to Grant at Sea and Ski. He popped the top off the carb then proceeded to entertain me with some colorful language. Being Scottish, I was able to join the choir, so there was quite an array of healthy profanities being aired.

The internals of the carb were a mess. The needle valves were solid with laquer and other internal parts, that should have been moving freely, were stuck solid. Hopefully, when Grant is finished, I'll have found my problem.

The port alternator, which was also giving me problems, got attention today. I took it over to Carlos' in Costa Mesa and he tested it ... it did not register above 10 volts. He'll have it ready for me tomorrow morning at 1000.

Well, all said and done, although a little lighter in my wallet, a productive day! All going well, I'll be on the water this weekend.

Following the advice I received from Saluki, I'll be investigating the ignition and setting the timing too ... fingers crossed everything goes well!

I don't know what I'd do without this site.

bertram31 · Jul-17-2006, 06:04 PM

Well good news on all fronts.

Jack

drippyskippy24 · Jul-17-2006, 08:07 PM

Hope it works out for you , keep us posted..

piperca · Jul-30-2006, 10:40 PM

Well, I've finally had success!

The fuel treatment (Startron Tank Cleaner) did the trick ... that stuff is amazing! Everything in the fuel system was replaced and I was still having issues. Added the tank cleaner and left it a week. Got news the Dodo bite was on and had to make a trip this Saturday.

We left Saturday morning at around 0500 and headed straight out from Newport Beach. She ran strong, but didn't like to be started after shut down. A couple of more stops got me off San Onofre where the bite was good. The engines became well mannered at this point and she ran/started flawlessly to Dana Point then back to Newport Beach. I put 56 miles on her, using 3/8 of a tank (120 gallon tank), and cruised into the slip on fumes ... all that bad gas is gone! The needle bit empty about 5 miles from the mouth of Newport harbor, I was really surprized I made it to the slip. I dumped 10 gallons I had on hand into the tank and the needle barely moved off empty. I really need to get that Floscan installed. It's been laying in my closet since October last year.

Thanks to all who gave me advice!

bertram31 · Jul-30-2006, 10:43 PM

Good news. Now go get um !!!!!

Jack

piperca · Jul-31-2006, 09:20 AM

Quick question:

Since this problem is fuel related and I'm aware that the new fuels have a high content of ethanol, what is the consensus on keeping your tank full? Since the new fuels go bad sooner, should the tank be as empty as possible for storing over the winter period? I know the Startron fuel treatment states it'll keep gas stable for up to one year, what do you think?