Sportster saga

[docster]

So replaced the boot on pto this week. Helped cavitation but still getting some on port engine. Should have just replaced the carbon seal while at it. I think the boot is just to weak to provide good pressure. So I need to order a new seal kit and do it right.

Also my starboard engine is great. Little to no cavitation. But once it's warm and I'm cruising stead at 4500-5500 it will surge about 500 rpm or so. I assume fuel problem. Thinking of trying to replace external fuel filter first. Any other thoughts ?

 

[Dr Honda]

The PTO boot has nothing to do with the carbon seal, or it's ability to do it's job. OR... did you replace the corrugated boot that holds the seal? Regardless... if you were haveig cavitation issues... the carbon ring, the corrugated boot, and the o-rings that fit inside the stainless ring need replaced.


As far as the surging... yes... it's probably a fuel issue. It could be an air leak in the feed lines... or a plug in the carbs. But, don't keep running like that. A lean run can kill the engine.

 

[docster]

Yea I only changed pto boot. I was saying I should have just changed while I had it apart anyways.

What should I check on the carbs? Pull it off and just try to clean?

 

[Dr Honda]

........
What should I check on the carbs? Pull it off and just try to clean?

Check/verify everything.

 

[docster]

updates incase anyone searches and has similar problems. Fixed the surging, internal filter screen was packed full. did the q-tip trick and got it looking new. The external filter was bad too, so i cleaned that out really well too (will post pics of mess in next day or so). Ran down river this morning, and ran very smooth, no surges or hesitation. I also checked compression just to be sure i didnt mess anything up...148/151 on starboard motor, 151/150 on port (super relieved my lean conditions did not hurt compression, i thought it would have for sure, although i did not let it go on very long at all). If you have any surging, or hesitations or trouble reaching high RPMs, just clean the carbs up and fuel filters, easy to do. Dont worry about a rebuild unless you notice something is wrong with it while cleaning.

I ordered a new carbon seal for port side, since that is sucking air like crazy. but i did notice that since the starboard engine is runnning much stronger/cleaner now, it will plane better even with port cavitating til plane. Carbon seal should fix me up nicely.