Fletch's 1976 170 Rebuild

[Capt. Bob]

Looks good Fletch and she floats too :!:

Never a doubt on the second but one never really knows for sure until they try.

Sounds about right on the stats. The temp should be around 160 +/- so for some that would feel cold and for others (like myself) hot. The stats may be stuck open (better than closed) or they may be missing altogether. I've seen where "mechanics" have removed them (notably in southern waters) to "enhance" performance. However, as stated here in the past, they are an important part of the system from a performance standpoint. Check 'em (to see if they are home) and then replace 'em.

Good luck..... oh and I like the miniature "Old Glory" on the console.

[Fletch170]

Ok,

After doing some research, it seems that the Solas Alum prop is making the humming sound.

The rough idle is still up in the air.

[dburr]

The rough idle is still up in the air.

Maybe have an answer in the other post you have going..  Interesting about the wheel making noise..  How you gonna sneak up on the big ones now?    

[johnnyred_1999]

Fletch,

Boat looks awesome!!! From the pictures it looks like it just came out of the factory! Well Done!

Definitely change the thermostat, I run a Stainless Steel prop as I have a 70 Johnson and need the Stainless to get a little better hole shot. Turns out my buddy had one and he gave it to me so the price was right. Otherwise the aluminum did the job. The stainless prop should eliminate the vibration noise, and with a 115 you will jump out of the hole like a rocket!!!!!

[Fletch170]

I'm ok with the noise, as long as I know what it is and I know it's not causing any harm. I'm not going to run a stainless prop here in shallow sandy new jersey. I'd rather screw up a cheap alum prop. The thing is ridiculous out of the hole.... Literally, one of the quickest accelerating boats I've ever been on. Im going to replace the thermostats and gap the plugs correctly, I hope that helps with the idle. If not, I have a bad coil, or perhaps the carbs need a sync, or perhaps there is too much advance in the timing.....who knows. If anyone has any advice let me know.

[johnnyred_1999]

Try NGK Spark plugs, they should help with the rough idle, Also Get a 1 gallon gas can and put a full can of Carb cleaner and fill the rest with gas and run the engine off of that. It will smoke like mad but it will clean the carbs, if that doesn't help you may need to have the carbs rebuilt.

[Fletch170]

Hey,

I actually pulled the carbs and cleaned them, they were spotless. Regardless, I tenth through then with cleaner and compressed air. If it was the carbs, I'd be really surprised. However, as working on motorcycles for some time, when the carbs are out of sync very badly, the motor has a tendancy to fight itself at low rpm's. It's my understanding that these carbs to not have a port to hook up a sync tool? I simply did a "bench sync".

What is insane is that this motor is a 97, and it has less than 25 hours. Basically just broken in! (The old boat had an hour meter that was installed when the motor was installed).

I did replace the plugs with the NGK plugs, but as I mentioned, I did it by eye, as my buddy as kidnapped my gapping tool.

If I had to make a snap judgement, I think it's because the thermostats. There is are many write ups stating that "Cold Seize" is a possibility. The pistons are warming up before the block does, right? This causes a rough running condition from what I understand.

[dburr]

 It's my understanding that these carbs to not have a port to hook up a sync tool? I simply did a "bench sync".

I did replace the plugs with the NGK plugs, but as I mentioned, I did it by eye, as my buddy as kidnapped my gapping tool.

If I had to make a snap judgement, I think it's because the thermostats. There is are many write ups stating that "Cold Seize" is a possibility. The pistons are warming up before the block does, right? This causes a rough running condition from what I understand.

Best write up ever on link and sync that I have seen is by Clams Ciano on iBoats.. I may have either copied it here or linked it about a year ago.. If you are not sure you are squared away it is a GREAT read..

EDIT: Sorry, it is for Merc Inlines   .. Still a good read though.. http://forums.iboats.com/mercury-mariner-outboards/timing-sync-merc-inlines-1988-a-128495.html

I know negotiating with kidnappers is Never condoned but ransom that tapping tool!!    

Every internal combustion engine has a designed temperature operating range.. If the motor never gets there, you can not expect any kind of uniform operation.. Your baby is running cold..  So you are not running anywhere near your benchmark adjustments want to get you. (Hope that makes sense).  
What is going to be interesting is to see if the thermostats are stuck open or gone.

Even up here in the winter an outboard head will get warm enough that you don't want to hold your hand on it...

[Fletch170]

Hey guys!

Cool update here.

I sold the boat......but there is a very happy end/ new beginning to this story. My uncle bought the boat to give to his grandson, who is turning 12 on Friday. His grandson (my cousins son), lives, breathes, and pretty much obsesses over everything boating. He is one of the most polite, thoughtful, and honest 12 year olds I've ever met. He truely LOVES boats and fishing.

I'm so excited to see this boat "stay in the family". I think a lot of us here take a good amount of pride knowing that not only do you have a cool boat, most of us have rebuilt these things. In most cases, these boats were sitting gathering rain water and had a likely future being chainsawed apart and thrown away. Due to a group of insane individuals who just love their classic Aquasports.....we are bringing them back to life, so another generation can experience having their fillings pounded out in a tight chop:)

Regardless, my junk yard boat is going to make one young man very happy.

Now.........On to my next project...my 1983 2100 Kevlar Hydra Sport. IMO, the best riding 21 I've ever been on. Look for updates on that project under "Other Classic Rebuilds"

[Capt. Bob]

Excellent Fletch.

You stated it perfectly. Great ending, or rather a grand beginning to the end of a true DIY rebuild.

Good luck on the Hydra, We look forward to it. I'll remove the classified ad.

[Fletch170]

Thanks Bob,

I appreciate it!

-Fletch

[johnnyred_1999]

Fletch,

Good luck with the Hydra Sport. They are great boats. She looks to be in better shape then your Aqua sport when you first got it. A 12 year old with that rocket ship!!!! That's a lot of boat and engine for a 12 year old.

Does the H S need much work?

John

[Fletch170]

the boat was in decent shape, just really dirty, and stained with mold and mildew.

Structually, the boat is perfect....seriously, not one stress crack. It's impressive.

There has been some work done to the boat, I will follow up with pictures this sunday. Basically, the boat has been painted, and there are a million pieces of starboard that need to be installed. All the wood had been sent to a shop to be templated into starboard.

I know it's not an aquasport, but you guys are awesome, and i cant stand THT. Follow my thread!!!!

-Fletch

[johnnyred_1999]

Fletch,

She is a beautiful boat. I used teak guard on my teak and it came out awesome, I was going to suggest that, before you took it all off.

Do you need another motor? that yammi 115 would have moved  that boat great, but I bet she can take up to a 150 hp!

With the vee in that HS and a 150hp she will fly!!!!

John

[Fletch170]

hahahah 150??? She was alm ost a 50 MPH boat with the 115, and it was scary!

However, bad news. Got wind that the current owner blew the motor sky high. Honestly, I'm not sure how thats even possible. There are all types of alarms for overheating, lack of oil, etc.......It's a shame, that Yami was awesome.

I wonder what will become of that boat.......I hope someone buys it and does a professional transom and deck. I never liked how mine looked.