Tower of power problems

[kungpaoshizi]

So it shimmies slightly (twisting kinda) every now and again. It also seems to start at the ramp without a problem. Then after running around all over, idling, running around, etc, then I shut it off. I can let it sit 15 minutes, try to start it and it seems to crank over and start at a low rpm, maybe 700ish and then kinda drops, drops, dies.

The above happens even if I have the high idle lever up all the way.

It will act like that for a few starts, and then it all of a sudden sees the high idle is up and will tiredly go back to normal. I let it warm up a little bit, and it's like nothing happened, until the next time I let it sit for a period of time.

This is my first boat, and I still think it was a hell of a deal, but man evidently boats are harder to troubleshoot than cars.. and I'm not an expert in that area either!

I plan to change the internal wiring harness (some cracked wires, slight corrosion here and there) and have the fuel pump rebuilt (or should I go new for new aftermarkets?) and double check idle mixture. This is going to be over the next week but I was wondering what peoples thoughts are. I really like the performance but have a feeling the PO didn't take as good of care of it as they think they did... I mentioned reeds to the guy and he said it's too tough of a job, they're made of metal and pretty much last forever?

Thanks very much for any input!

1986 Venture Stallion Bass Boat w/1977 1150 Tower of Power

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Tower of power problems

Fuel could be percolating. When todays gas, which is refined to be used in a pressurized fuel injection system), is used in a carbed system it often vapourizes too easily. Add a little heat soak during a brief shutdown and various oddities happen when the engine is restarted. Percolating, basicly the carb is overwhelmed with the warmed fuel which flashes to vapour once it gets out of the fuel line and into the carb, flooding it. Engine runs crappy, may die, until cooler fuel is back in the carb and the mix settles down.

 

[kungpaoshizi]

Re: Tower of power problems

Anything I can do to prevent this? Would it help to just use the primer bulb to repump fresh fuel in? (have yet to try that)
I've also been using 89 octane, would 91 curb this effect?

 

[Mortamie]

Re: Tower of power problems

rebuild fuel pumps yourself they are easy to do.. no need to pay someone hundreds of dollars for 6 bolts... I would suggest getting the manual for your boat. and replacing your cracked wires is a smart choice... There is also an additive you can get to put in your fuel making it safer for your motor. can't remember the name but it is in a light blue see through bottle.. I bought mine at Walmart. when motor is started you could use some carb cleaner and sprey into the carbs not to much at a time because it can choke your engine out..

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Tower of power problems

Anything I can do to prevent this? Would it help to just use the primer bulb to repump fresh fuel in? (have yet to try that)
I've also been using 89 octane, would 91 curb this effect?

Using an Ethanol free gas is a good choice. I'd love to slap the ***** out of the Politicians who thought of mandating that crap.
The problem with the fuel is really a Volativity issue.

 

[kungpaoshizi]

Re: Tower of power problems

Only gas around here is 87 no ethanol, 89 and 91 have ethanol
Would it be better to perhaps use 87 and add a bottle of octane booster?
I see in the manual I have which covers a lot of models says "86" or "87 for EFI systems". So maybe just 87 and Seafoam every now and then? I saw something about higher octanes burn at a higher temp, so maybe that would contribute ultimately to my issue..

Already ordered the fuel rebuild kit and the 2 hoses, that'll be next weeks project along with the water impeller... My buddy mentioned that even after a short sit pump the primer bulb and that should help. The funny thing is I don't seem to have any of the starting/idling issues when the motor is on muffs..heh

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Tower of power problems

Cracked wires is never good. I would replace wires First