Tom Berlin’s Report on the
Diagnosis and Repair of the 16’ Skiff’s Engine
10/9/09
OK,
here's what I believe:
-
The motor is fixed.
-
The problem relates
to refueling with water-contaminated fuel and/or allowing water to enter
the tank.
-
I don't accept the
ethanol theory on any level, yet.
-
I see no value in
running the carbs dry after use if the boat is going to be used within a
few week period. Water is the issue, not old fuel, and running the fuel
out will leave just water, if there is any. I think it would be of much
greater value to drain the float bowls every now and then, as that will
get any water out. I'm happy to assume responsibility for this task.
-
Use the
highest-octane fuel at the station- generally speaking the higher the
octane the more additives. There is not a downside to unnecessarily high
octane, and the cleaners and such in the fuel might help. Use Name brand
fuel only of course.
-
I would rather the
remote tank was not drained after use. I don't think that should be
necessary, it might actually increase the chance of bad fuel being
added, and I would like to see what's in there should more trouble
arise.
I did
not proceed with additional work until I saw if the motor was going to
work. I would like next to get another fuel line next so the remote tank
can be used in conjunction with the big strainer/water separator on the
boat. There is a new filter for it under the seat, along with spare spark
plugs and oil. I would also like to install a battery cut off switch, and
we can fix the antenna if you guys want.
The
battery that was on the boat won't take a charge. I installed a car
battery, which will be fine. If the battery that was there is relatively
new and someone wants to return it, so much the better.
I moved
the battery to under the seat.
I tidied
up the wires going to the throttle.
I
changed the oil and filter.
Most of
this is opinion, not fact, and I'm happy to discuss any of this with any
of you. If the motor indeed works, in return for this work I want to never
be called over early again while you guys are on race committee.
Tom
Berlin
10/9/09
Addendum 10/10/09:
Two more notes on this motor - Although it has some sort of
cold running enrichment device, the three carbs all have accelerator
pumps. Pumping the throttle (big lever) 2 or 3 times will squirt fuel into
the intake and greatly aid starting. We should amend the running
instructions.
Also, I replaced the alternator and regulator, as someone had hooked
jumper cables up backwards and fried them both. It now charges as it
should.
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