Here is one for all you troubleshooters; I have an 89 24ft Century 4500 with a 7.4 Ltr 330HP 454, 8 cyl, Thunderbolt ignition, w/ Bravo 2 stern, 275 hours, not sure the prop size. When we put it in the water this year it ran great, good hole shot, great top end 46-4800RPM 50 mph. <br /> Now for the situation: The boat was stationed at my dock with the cover on before I left for a 5-day vacation. While on vacation, there was about 8 inches of water and some severe storms that came through my area. When I returned home the cover was half off the boat and obvious signs that the water from the storm collected in the loser part of the boat. My auto bilge failed allowing the water level to reach the starter motor. The water level was marked one inch up on the starter motor. This verified the water level wasnt too high. <br /> Now the problem part: The starter motor would not turn over, the solenoid would click but nothing would crank. First thing, checked oil (it was fine but I replaced it anyway, no water in it), purchased new battery, no crank, removed and dismantled starter motor, (here is where I found the height of the water level, as the rust line in the starter was obvious). I repaired and tested the starter motor (Then later decided to replace it with a new one, didnt want it to fail while on the water.). reinstalled the starter and hit the ignition. Great news, It started with very little effort! <br /> The motor ran a little rough at idle but when I gave it a little throttle it improved. When I backed of the idle it would run but sound like it wanted to die, more of a fluctuation in rpms 400- 700 or so. Occasionally it would die while idling. So rather than take any chances, I did a compression test, everything was good. Replaced the plugs and wires, (did not replace the distributor), and the fuel filter. Ok, now I fired it up and it still ran a little rough for a moment then idled steady at 650 rpm.<br /> We untied the boat and took it out for a spin. From the hole it was a little sluggish, it probably took 5 more seconds to plane and the punch didnt feel like it did the first time out. (The bottom of the boat has some growth but not too much, no hair). The boat seemed to only make 4500 RPM at WOT for about 10 minutes. The speed was probably 40 MPH. I then backed off the throttle to idle and checked the temp on the engine. Temp was fine at the gauge and on the motor its self. When I gave the boat throttle this time at WOT my RPMs only hit 3400 and it took a very long time to plane. (no punch) And when it did, the RPMs only came up to 3700 and the top speed was about 25mph. I backed off the throttle and checked the engine again, it looked and felt fine temp wise. Got back on the Throttle and had the same response. The engine sounded flat or bogged at WOT <br /> We decided to cruise back to the house (1 mile) and investigate. Our findings were:<br />1. the motor would idle with fluctuation, but it would not die.<br />2. The motor still had good compression.<br />3. The plugs looked OK, and replaced the Coil just in case<br />4. I pulled the distributor cap and noticed some green corrosion on the contacts in the cap. (I cleaned them up)<br />5. Checked all oil good<br />6. Steering -good<br />7. Trim works Good<br />8. Checked alternator -Good<br />9. Left it over night, it was late<br /><br />The next morning, we fired up the motor and it did not fluctuate at idle. Thought we had fixed the problem so we went for a spin. The hole shot was still sluggish like before, there was a little punch but the motor still sounded flat it took about 18 seconds to get the speed to 35mph and the RPMs were only 4200. We ran like this for about 5 minutes. Stopped to idle good , Then I checked the motor temp Good, and gave it throttle again, it only made it to 3600RPM and about 20mph and it took a long time to plane out and slow out of the hole. Now stumped and in need of help
<br /> There is the situation and now I need some outside advice on what to look for/ check next. I have a manual and I feel comfortable working on the engine. Thanks for your help<br />JB
