2001 challenger 2000

[mpw*21]

Hello all, I have noticed that the spark advance is unhooked from the flywheel assembly, is this because i have efi? I think that that is for carb set up, I might be wrong. The boat runs great the way it is but it was pointed out to me at a boat service garage who told me its on borrowed time. Also,I am kicking around about using pensoil synthetic oil 2 stroke in it, being that it should cut down on the annoying smoke. Please give me some feedback, new with this stle boat. thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

I'm not the best Merc guy here... but I don't think that it is hooked up with the EFI. With the EFI, the computer takes care of the advance.


As far as smoke... the Synth oil really doesn't cut back on the smoke at all. It will better protect the engine... but the smoke will still be there. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of smoke completely is to buy a 4-stroke.

 

[WAJetboating]

Hello all, I have noticed that the spark advance is unhooked from the flywheel assembly, is this because i have efi? I think that that is for carb set up, I might be wrong. The boat runs great the way it is but it was pointed out to me at a boat service garage who told me its on borrowed time.

I presume you have the 240EFI engine. It does have a mechanical timing adjustment that is separate from the ECU. The adjustment is made with the ECU harness disconnected. Refer to the service manual, which I'm told is available on this site, starting on page 2C-10 for complete details.

One thing to keep in mind is that the 2000 and 2001 versions of the 240EFI have a sort of "dumbed down" EFI system. The ECU controls injector pulse width and timing, and almost nothing else. For example, oil injection ratio is entirely mechanical - the ECU has no role in it whatsoever. Likewise, the timing is adjusted mechanically.

The 2002+ versions of the 240EFI are more "traditional" in their EFI systems. The engines are much more heavily instrumented, and the ECU plays a much more active role in measuring and controlling more aspects of the engine's operation. The 2002+ ECU's are also Mercury SmartCraft compatible, whereas the 2000-2001 versions are not {growl}.

I would dig into that "disconnected" timing question and resolve it. Spend some time with the manual to gain a better understanding of what you're looking at and whether it matters or not.

Also,I am kicking around about using pensoil synthetic oil 2 stroke in it, being that it should cut down on the annoying smoke. Please give me some feedback, new with this stle boat.

Mercury recommends their own Premium Plus oil. The original owner of my boat was using some other product and the smoke/smell was pretty bad. I switched to Premium Plus (not just Premium, but PLUS) and the reduction in smoke and elimination of stink was amazing. Now I use nothing - NOTHING - but Premium Plus in my 240EFI.

It doesn't have to be expensive, either. I just found two gallons at WalMart in the marine section for $19.98 each. Normally I pay over $30 per gallon. Not sure what you're paying for Penzoil but for the improvement in smoke/stink I'll take the Premium Plus every time. Just my $0.02.

Report back!

 

[mpw*21]

thanks alot for the feedback, i didnt get a chance to look into yet due to work load but as soon as i do i will post. i did have another issue here last time i was out it seems that when my boat is out of the water it starts no problem, but when it is in the water, it will not start right up i have to keep turning it over and over and it will finally fire over. just started never had this happen before, when i get it running it runs awsome but as soon as i shut it down and restart it is stubborn.

 

[WAJetboating]

when my boat is out of the water it starts no problem, but when it is in the water, it will not start right up i have to keep turning it over and over and it will finally fire over. just started never had this happen before, when i get it running it runs awsome but as soon as i shut it down and restart it is stubborn.

This is common on jetskis - they "run on the trailer just fine" but have problems when in the water. The difference, obviously, is the load that the water places on the impeller. These jetdrives are never truly in "neutral" so the starter motor is actually trying to push water when it's starting the engine. Basically the load on the starter is higher when in the water.

I'd check for a weak battery, corroded battery/starter terminals or cables, that sort of thing.