Just need a starting point

[jords]

Hello all

So against all the advice I have read here, I purchased a 95 speedster with no compression test or test drive (only reason cause the boat was located over an hour away from water). lol pretty risk huh?

So I got the boat home and just had to test it out and have a few questions as to tune it up

Test drive

Boat started up and smoked alittle till warmed up, I didn't push it hard till it really went around the lake a few times and when I finally punched it, it planed in about 2-3 seconds and the speedo was bouncing around 50mph here are my findings

I noticed abit of vibration from the port motor at idle

When crusing at around 30mph star motor was 3500 rpm and port was about 4000 rpm WOT both at 7000 ( they didn't seem to run together mid range)

and what would be the must changes for a tune up, it felt that it was running strong but could use abit of a tune up

Im just glad it didn;t sink lol:hurray:


, now I am pretty mechincally inclined but only worked on surfjets<---- you have to get one

so long story made short , what would be the checklist ( I did download the manual also) and just noticed I posted this in the wrong thread lol opps!

 

[timmyboy76]

congrats on the boat, jlords...

For mid rpm issue, possible the throttle cables arent pull'n the carbs open evenly, may need adjustment. For motor tremble at idle, grab the pipe and pull on it, maybe you have a broken motor mount or 2. You can remove the boots on the plug wires, cut 1/4in off, and reinstall, that'll give you a good clean contact for plugs, other than that, install new plugs, and being mech. inclined, evewn though it ran great, might clean the carbs out...again, :hurray: on the boat.

 

[markj602]

I would check your wear rings as well.

 

[unclejay]

Good Shape

Everything you describe is normal.

2-3 seconds to plane, you have no wear ring problems.

Port engine shake, is the rpm same as starboard engine ? Low idle will cause shake.

The smoking at low speed is totally normal. Its a 2 stroke. Shaking is also normal unless it is really pronounced or vastly different between the 2 engines. Spark plugs need to be changed AND GAPPED every 20 hours.

Your RPM difference is caused by cable stretch and throttle lever adjustment. Id leave it alone. If you adjust the throttles, use a shop manual. The left throttle is adjusted using the center nut but the right is completely different - uses a friction nut. if the levers at the carb are fully open at full throttle, youre good to go.
I adjust mine for mid-cruise 3500 rpm so both levers are in sync, but at any other RPM they will not be in sync. personal choice. Dont even think about replacing the cables its awful.

If you pull the throttle assembly up, make SURE to secure the 2 aluminum backing plates under the deck, if they fall down in the hull, gone forever. You have to reach under and duct tape them or safety wire them thru the bolt holes (preferable) .. they are glued down but after years the glue comes loose. You have to do this before the screws are removed completely.. very tight clearances. Remove 1 screw, safety wire the backing plate, remove the other screw. The backing plates run fore and aft, one left one right.

7000 rpm at 50 mph is within 2 mph of a new boat, and this is speedometer not GPS, actual GPS speed is 48-49 at 52 mph indicated. You cannot expect better of a 14 year old engine set.

 

[jords]

yup both engines have the same rpm at idle, didn't feel or hear any vibration past idle. I have always thought that this boat was maxed out at 50 ish mph , the previous owner claimed he hit 60 on gps. Looking at the motorr its obvious work has been done at some point. New head bolts the exhaust pipes were super bright in paint, new grate etc etc you get the idea. The only thing that is kinda in need of some tlc is the reverse cable. It comes through the hull but its just a bare cable. She does shift into F N R but with alittle muscle, he gave me a new cable with it. I know it needs a tune up , when you work with motors you can just tell. Im thinking new plugs and a carb clean may squeeze a mph or 2

 

[unclejay]

Reverse

The stiffness going into reverse is also normal, I wouldnt mess with the cable due to the risk of messing up the throttle quadrant when extracting it. Your choice.

As for carb cleaning, you could try using Techron (or just use Chevron gas) for a few tankfuls. Taking apart the carbs is a pain due to their location and difficulty of access.

By the way I removed all the foam from inside the engine compartment years ago, in order to gain access. Helps a lot. Also note that you can actually lie on the side fenders and reach inside the engine bay. If you go in over the seats, make sure to put a lot of padding on the seat tops, many people crack the vinyl or stain it.

 

[ssmedt]

i have got my 14.5ft challenger up to 53 on the speedometer with 1 person and 1/2 tank of gas don't think that it will ever go 60