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Enchanter test n tune
- Thread starter fbpd227
- Start date
Vandalizer
Well-known member
I wouldn't throw money away on new lower, especially when you have one that works fine and has recently been rebuilt. If your engine speed isn't where you want it after you jack it up a bit, you should be looking for a different prop, not lower unit.
fbpd227
Active member
Should have my re-hubbed prop back tomorrow ( should have been here saturday!!! DAMN!!!!) so I can get her wet again and start tuning some more next weekend. I also raised the mota 1.5"- just about 1 3/4- 2" below now ( don't want to get too high since I can't get water scoops for my lower ( I still think the Alpha 1 water scoops would work- but don't want to pop $70 just to find out in case I'm wrong.) I keep seeing where almost everyone elses Enchanter is running low 60's+ with the same 2.4 200 carb mota so I'm missing something- or havent gotten tot he big tuning surprise yet..... Could also be just the wrong prop for this hull.....but time will tell. Should be able to get some solid numbers now- knowing for sure the hubs not slipping. IF I get the same "blow-out" conditions I had before- what would I need to look at next? Prop design would be obvious, but what ELSE would cause this IF it happens again? Sure wish we had a "prop-swap" thread where we could all swap props back n forth till we find the right ones for our differn't hulls- but then I understand the high possible loss from ONE idiot slammin a borrowed prop on the bottom and ruining it- THAT would suck! lol! OK- just updatin and HOPING for some big differences next weekend!!! I'll keep ya informed.
fbpd227
Active member
ok, if anyone even cares- here's my update-
After finding out that I have a high compression engine- AND have been running 87 octane gas- was told, and decided to dump my tank ( all 20 gallons). I will re-fill with 93 or 94 octane to protect my mota. OK, moving on. I live at 3000' elevation- checked my compression- bank 1- 132#- 134# on all 3. bank 2- 132# on the top and middle cyl- 90# at first then 120# on the second attempt ( all reading cold and dry ), but here's the good part. the plug was clean as a whistle on the middle cyl, and RUSTED on the bottom cyl!!!! I would believe there isd a blown head gasket issue to contend with! Good sign that the comp wasn't at zero or just above ( hole in piston!)- so I will order a head gasket and get that replaced ASAP! ( prob plugs as well!) This would explain ALOT of things! lack of power ( especially on a high compression engine!), and hard starting cold. here's some pix of the plugs:
I would hope- after re-hubbing the prop, running the right octane gas, raising the mota 1.5" and fixing the head gasket, that I would see a rather conciderable gain in power/ speed! We'll see soon. I'm also looking at MAKING some water scoops to put OVER my plastic intake screens so I can maybe go up another inch or so.....that would put me @ 1" below the pad....ALL this would be discouraging to some- but I LOVE the challange and fun of "tuning"!!!! Here's the pay-off for having to wait a year just to get to drive her!!!! LOL! Hope to post up some GOOD numbers soon! What are some of you other Enchanter, 200HP, 2.4 carb, guys getting? Anyone still following- or caring for that matter- THANX! I appreciate ALL of your input- and as always- THANK YOU CHRIS!!!! YOUR THE MAN!!!!
After finding out that I have a high compression engine- AND have been running 87 octane gas- was told, and decided to dump my tank ( all 20 gallons). I will re-fill with 93 or 94 octane to protect my mota. OK, moving on. I live at 3000' elevation- checked my compression- bank 1- 132#- 134# on all 3. bank 2- 132# on the top and middle cyl- 90# at first then 120# on the second attempt ( all reading cold and dry ), but here's the good part. the plug was clean as a whistle on the middle cyl, and RUSTED on the bottom cyl!!!! I would believe there isd a blown head gasket issue to contend with! Good sign that the comp wasn't at zero or just above ( hole in piston!)- so I will order a head gasket and get that replaced ASAP! ( prob plugs as well!) This would explain ALOT of things! lack of power ( especially on a high compression engine!), and hard starting cold. here's some pix of the plugs:
I would hope- after re-hubbing the prop, running the right octane gas, raising the mota 1.5" and fixing the head gasket, that I would see a rather conciderable gain in power/ speed! We'll see soon. I'm also looking at MAKING some water scoops to put OVER my plastic intake screens so I can maybe go up another inch or so.....that would put me @ 1" below the pad....ALL this would be discouraging to some- but I LOVE the challange and fun of "tuning"!!!! Here's the pay-off for having to wait a year just to get to drive her!!!! LOL! Hope to post up some GOOD numbers soon! What are some of you other Enchanter, 200HP, 2.4 carb, guys getting? Anyone still following- or caring for that matter- THANX! I appreciate ALL of your input- and as always- THANK YOU CHRIS!!!! YOUR THE MAN!!!!
fbpd227
Active member
Also- I forgot to hold the throtle open when testing compression- so I'm sure the numbers would go up a bit higher if I had done that- especially at 3000' elevation -thats pretty high compression. no doubt in my mind the heads are tight! 93- 94 octane ONLY from now on..... Has anyone else had a rusty plug when checking them? All I can think of is a popped head gasket- a;beit minor since compression hasn't dropped alot on the bottom port cyl. I would imagine that since the middle cyl, port plug is super clean ( no dark deposits ) that it's also getting water in that cyl as well. Do I have to pull the head cover plate- to pull the head when I change the gasket? I have never changed an outboard head gasket ( ALOT of chevy motor head gaskets)- any sugestions for a smooth job? I used to use scotch brite pads to prep the block and head on Chevy motors- but being an aluminum block/ head on outboards- it might be a bit too rough- what would you sugest? Just scrape it and wipe it down with denatured alcohol? Thanx guys for all the help!
yellowfiero88
Well-known member
I have had rusted plugs before. I hate to say it but every time, the motor was garbage. If the plug is rusted, then the cyl wall looks the same. With luck, when you pull the head, it will be minor and you can rotate the engine (moving the piston down in the hole only) and clean the rust off without damaging the rings. I would try a red scuff pad for a redneck fix and make sure its clean before putting it back together. Proper way would be to hone all 6 and re ring her. Just my $.02 worth
BTW, I only run 91+. If nothing else when it sits and looses some of its octane, it will still run the mota without knocking!!!
Good luck, I got my fingers crossed for you!
BTW, I only run 91+. If nothing else when it sits and looses some of its octane, it will still run the mota without knocking!!!
Good luck, I got my fingers crossed for you!
fbpd227
Active member
the cylinder wall, head, and pistons are beautiful inside! must have caught it early! It looks like a very small gasket leak was the blame. Hardly noticable at all- but close inspection shows both comp loss and water around the gasket ring. Tokk a bunch of pix- will post later today. The new gasket should be in today. If the comp hadn't dropped a bit on that cyl. I may have never caught it.
yellowfiero88
Well-known member
Sweet, you got lucky!!!
fbpd227
Active member
inside the mota...
So I guess I need to find a slightly used scotch pad to clean/ prep the surface first before I stab the new gasket in. DON'T want to knick the surface and make a weak spot where the gasket could blow again. Do any of you use never seize or silicone or anything on the thread bolts when re-installing them? Or just a good wire brush cleaning and run 'em in dry? Thanx guys!
So I guess I need to find a slightly used scotch pad to clean/ prep the surface first before I stab the new gasket in. DON'T want to knick the surface and make a weak spot where the gasket could blow again. Do any of you use never seize or silicone or anything on the thread bolts when re-installing them? Or just a good wire brush cleaning and run 'em in dry? Thanx guys!
fbpd227
Active member
Do I need to put those lil 3/8" rubber hose thinggy's in there on one side of the cylkinder for cooling? I had seen a pic somewhere- they showed them as going in on one side of the cylinder water jacket and is supposed to make the water circulate in one direction and prevent hot spots? Any ideas or sugestions about them?
fbpd227
Active member
LOL- I'd agree. The good poart was that the block was clean as a whistle- not a bit of "gunk" around the cylinders or anywhere in the block- the head had a small bit of "gunking" but the gasket looked for crap. Cleaned out the head, sharpened up the surfaces with a flat stone and torqued the head back on. Rana comp test and had 130 across the board. ( haven't bought new plugs yet- but swaped the "bad" one to another cyl to test run the mota. ran like a top! In fact it actually sounded differnt to me...at first it thought I had lost some power- was very smooth and not as high performance "choppy" as it used to be- then I figured out it was the even comp and balance of the cylinders that were running right now and giving it a smoother "zippy" sound. Under load in the water will be the test. We'll see soon. New prop hub, new head gasket, 1.5" higher on the engine, and high test gas......I HOPE to see some differen't numbers next trip out!
fbpd227
Active member
ok, so I got the 4th of July weekend (after sat afternoon ) off!!!! SOMEONE'S GOING TO THE LAKE!!!!!!!!! Hope to get some good solid numbers to post up this time! Bringing my wrenches in case I need to drop the mota back down a bit ( if speeds come up pretty good- I expect she'll run higher in the water, and need to lower the j/p back down a bit). On a tricky edge here- can't get scoops for my lower- and IF I can find some good stainless material to make some out of, I will- but for now- no scoops- THANK GOD FOR W/P GAUGE!!! AND all the great advice you guys have given me......IF all goes well and engine is tip top- I should think I should see mid 60's...don't ya think? Even low 60's would be a 10mph increase! LOL!
fbpd227
Active member
Great weekend!
WISH I had taken my camera the day before!!!!!!!!!! ALOT of GREAT "sights" and photo op's....alas- I remembered it on Monday....LOL! These were at @ 10 am- so no one was there yet...but it packs out quick- nice sandy beach- so it's VERY popular. Now- on to the test n tune part......
WISH I had taken my camera the day before!!!!!!!!!! ALOT of GREAT "sights" and photo op's....alas- I remembered it on Monday....LOL! These were at @ 10 am- so no one was there yet...but it packs out quick- nice sandy beach- so it's VERY popular. Now- on to the test n tune part......
fbpd227
Active member
I had raised the engine up- to @ an inch or maybe an inch and a half below the pad just before I left for this weekend. In the past at @ 3" below I was getting @ 52 mph. This trip I was running a solid 47!!! yes, I said 47! Slower higher- so droped it back down @ a 1/2" below where I was at to start- and got solid 54mph- AND A TONE of control! Now when I turn tight- on a dime- I get $.09 change! I no longer lose my water psi in turns, and I also no longer blow-out out of the hole with the prop. All leading me to the conclusion the 24 turbo prop doesn not like to be ANYWHERE near the surface. It's a heavy cupped prop and should hold on to the water- instead IF ANY AIR gets near it- it blows out ( I also have a 2:1 lower so maybe alot of torque on it as well) At @ 3 1/2" ( maybe 4" ?) below- seems to be the best setup for this prop, on this boat. Now- I also had some issues with mid throtle....like maybe an intermeadiate jet in the carbs ( do the have intermediate jets?> ) At idle or just above- it was fine and when pouring the juice on it would talk to me- but if I throttle back ( below 3500 ) it would become real choppy and "hunt" an rpm.....deffinately fuel related. 3500 to 4000 all day- cruising at @ 30-32mph. Top speed 54 ( solid and very repeatable) at 5400 rpm's. Seems pretty wild that @ 1500 rpm's at the top side makes a difference of 22+ mph!?!?! That's alot. So....I am thinking if I go down to a 23 pitch prop and pick up some rpms to say @ 5800-5900 I should be able to get another 6-8 mph out of it? or am I on the wrong track? BEAR IN MIND- EVERY time I have taken it out- it has been fully loaded and this time with 32 gallons ( full tank - 94 ocatne!) of fuel.... So I'm also pretty sure I could get another 34mph just unloading some junk .....and beer....lol! Although it's not anywhere near where I think it will and should be- it is getting better one way or another ( handling, speed, etc...). I need to get my hands on some different props now to compare differences and take notes. The boat DEFFINATELY wakes up with some chop!!!!!! A bit rough- but WOW! It sure can get some air! LOL!
Vandalizer
Well-known member
Those are the first good pics of your boat I've seen, and it looks very nice. That motor is in a different area code!
fbpd227
Active member
i came to this thread after seeing this quote "ALOT of GREAT "sights" and photo op's"
the boat looks sweet!!
i was looking for more skin though!!
I KNOW! AND THERE WAS PLENTY!!!! Clemson ( college town ) has some sights to offer on Lake Hartwell- I am STILL kicking myself in the ass for not remembering the camera the first day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean some big B(o)(o)B's out there on some tiny women, in some of the smallest pieces of material (I believe they were SUPPOSED TO BE- swimsuits! )I have seen in years!!!
fbpd227
Active member
OK- so I have been testing and tunning- your gonne LOVE this! 
I can only get my mota to 52-5400 rpm's no matter where I trim it, or how high/ low I jack it.....I have also had some mid range carb issues ( hunting idle, etc..) after comming down from WOT, and just seems to be under powered for a 200HP and a 2:1 geared lower....so I was looking at the mota this evening to "evaluate" my upcomming carb job I was planning to do before my next outting....when I just happened to "notice" duct tape over one side of the air intake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See, here's the thing....when I drove down to Tampa to buy this mota from Doug, ( Enticer1) I couldn't put it in the back of my truck with the cowling on ( fear of breaking the fiberglass cowl) so i threw duct tape over the "up" side of the intake- to keep rain out- you understand- NO DUMMY HERE ( at least NOT at this point.....) BUT- for a year now I have been trying to run this thing with only ONE side of the air intake open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUMB DUMB WANT GUM GUM!!!!!!!OMFG!!!! HOW the hell could I have missed that after a YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a wild guess- but I am wondering IF I might see any gains next trip out!?!?!?!?! Here I have been thinking I need to drop my pitch, cause I can't get the RPM's up- but instead- I may have to go UP on pitch.......Right about now I want to curl up in a fetal position and cry........LOL!!!!!! ANY HOW............ MIGHT have some better numbers SOON!!!!!
RIGHT WAY....
WRONG WAY!!!!!!!!!!!
I can only get my mota to 52-5400 rpm's no matter where I trim it, or how high/ low I jack it.....I have also had some mid range carb issues ( hunting idle, etc..) after comming down from WOT, and just seems to be under powered for a 200HP and a 2:1 geared lower....so I was looking at the mota this evening to "evaluate" my upcomming carb job I was planning to do before my next outting....when I just happened to "notice" duct tape over one side of the air intake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See, here's the thing....when I drove down to Tampa to buy this mota from Doug, ( Enticer1) I couldn't put it in the back of my truck with the cowling on ( fear of breaking the fiberglass cowl) so i threw duct tape over the "up" side of the intake- to keep rain out- you understand- NO DUMMY HERE ( at least NOT at this point.....) BUT- for a year now I have been trying to run this thing with only ONE side of the air intake open!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUMB DUMB WANT GUM GUM!!!!!!!OMFG!!!! HOW the hell could I have missed that after a YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a wild guess- but I am wondering IF I might see any gains next trip out!?!?!?!?! Here I have been thinking I need to drop my pitch, cause I can't get the RPM's up- but instead- I may have to go UP on pitch.......Right about now I want to curl up in a fetal position and cry........LOL!!!!!! ANY HOW............ MIGHT have some better numbers SOON!!!!!
RIGHT WAY....
WRONG WAY!!!!!!!!!!!