1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Well, I spent the last two rainy days working on my punch list. Most of it was under the dash. I wired it just enough to get a test so it was time go finish that all up. I also got the trolling motor quick release mount set, put the front cleats on and wired the stereo in correctly.

This morning it was raining really hard. I suspect we got well over an inch in just a few hours. However, around 12:30 it stopped so I put my rear in 4th gear, got her road worthy and took her for a ride down the the local Chevron for a drink of unleaded supreme with techron.

Got her back home and decided to see what happens when I turn the key. It took a while but finally she came to life, ran for a bit then died. A little investigation revealed that the new fuel filter/water separator had trickle sucked the fuel that was left (treated) in the tank. It made the filter look full but there was still a lot of air in the line.

Once I got the air out she started right up and ran just like a motor that had been sitting all winter. I'll change the plugs on her and run some Sea Foam through her and if that doesn't do it then I'll re-synch the carbs and she should be fine. However, if none of that works, then the 150 Yami goes on and I'm going fishin!!!! Yeeeee Hawwww.

As a side note - While I was at the gas station a fellow struck up a conversation with me asking who made my boat. I wasn't really sure how to answer him. So I just said it's a Starcraft. His comment was simply that it sure looks expensive. I couldn't have been prouder and responded, yep, and it's paid for. He then said, wow, you paid cash for it?
I never let on that it was a 1991, I'm pretty sure he thought it was new.

Oddly enough, I could have paid cash for a brand new boat but I would never in a million years had a feeling like I did today.

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

I hope I get a similar reaction and feel when I'm done with mine about this time next year.

I thought you went fishing already. Oh well, maybe next week huh? Don't forget the fishing report.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

I hope I get a similar reaction and feel when I'm done with mine about this time next year.

I thought you went fishing already. Oh well, maybe next week huh? Don't forget the fishing report.

Thanks, and no I haven't been out yet. I hooked her up last week with all intentions of gas'n her up but my common sense took over and I realized I still had a lot of little things that needed to be done. I got most of that done this weekend and she's running now but I still have a couple of weekends worth of work before I get her wet. Lake Sonoma, Ca will be where she gets wet for the first time and if all holds true, there won't be much fishin braggin going on. It's a great lake for fishing but not so good for catching.

 

[matthewp]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

What? You're graduating? No way! What are the rest of us supposed to do while you're out fishing on your spanky new ride? It's summer school for the rest of us (god no!).

Seriously, what an accomplishment. You should be very proud indeed. I think she looks tops just as she is. The red pin stripe is a nice touch. Your experience at the pump is the best validation one could get. When people can't tell your 18 year old ride from a brand new one... wow. Congratulations.

Oddly enough, I could have paid cash for a brand new boat but I would never in a million years had a feeling like I did today.

You, sir, are the Man.

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

I know Lake Sonoma well. It's my favorite lake in the Bay Area, but you're right, fishing can be tough there. Perfect lake for a maiden voyage. If you don't get into some fish, it's a beautiful lake to just cruise on. The Delta is not beautiful (it's not ugly either), but would be an awesome place to just cruise in the ride.

I hope you keep checking on this site, because I/we need you! I have a VERY similar boat and situation. I have looked and there are not too many restores of the type and the level to which you've brought yours, that I can find on this site. I've read your entire restore, but I still have some Q's I'd like to ask as they come up. You must live fairly close to me, so some of your resources may come in handy down the road.

I don't want to lay it on too thick, but the job you did, I want to duplicate. The reason you did it is the reason I decided on a used boat with no motor. I have an opportunity to make my boat custom to my needs and as good as new. New wiring, plumbing, interior, paint and motor all PAID FOR, for less than half the price of a new boat.

Your boat IS the bar!

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Lakeorbay, if you want just PM me, I'm in Santa Rosa. I have some left over stuff and I might be able to save you a few bucks. I have a complete teleflex rack steering system a 10 gal below deck gas tank and a few gauges. I also have two complete stock lay down seats in fair condition and some other misc stuff. I've got no use for any of it so you can have (as in free) whatever you need.

 

[barryll]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Your boat is just awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent work.

Well, I spent the last two rainy days working on my punch list. Most of it was under the dash. I wired it just enough to get a test so it was time go finish that all up. I also got the trolling motor quick release mount set, put the front cleats on and wired the stereo in correctly.

Just a little tidbit for the "Stupid Boat Owner Tricks." I installed a new stero in my boat last spring (after much reworking) but relized the speakers were DOA. It was already fishing season so I secured all the wiring and figured I would have some down time during the summer to order new speakers and cut bigger holes. I just cut the bigger holes last week and wired them up and no power. Well I modified a lot of wiring and figured something must have come lose. Troubleshot everything I thought could have been the problem and was getting ready to just run a jumper to see if the radio worked and .................daaah , I plugged the harness back into the back of the stereo (unplugged from last year). I'm jammin now (after a brief moment of felling like an idiot - I get that feeling a lot during this on going project).

Oddly enough, I could have paid cash for a brand new boat but I would never in a million years had a feeling like I did today.

You ever see the commercial for ArmorAll with Tony Stewart? Go Ahead. Stare.

http://www.armorall.com/features/media.php (top left - lastest commercials)

Ya................can't describe it myself.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Time for an update -- The Mariner as it turns out has had a few problems in the past. Specifically it ran rough at one time and the mechanic that fixed it replaced the switchbox, the rectifier and one coil. He also rebuilt the carb on #1 but didn't do the rest. In the process he broke the carb linkage by over tightening and of course the synch was off. Not seriously off but enough to cause you to overlook the real problem... a spikey stator and shot trigger.

The easiest way to see the spike is with an isolated "O" scope. I learned that trick in the Navy when I would monitor the power comming into the comm center on ships.

I've just ordered all new ignition system components (stator, trigger, switchbox and plug wires). I replaced all the coils this past weekend. I couldn't find a set of plug wires so I picked up a set of carbon core 7mm wires and made up a set. MISTAKE..... theres too much resistance for these low voltage ignition systems. I really ticked the neighbor off with all the smoke.

O.K. about this time I can hear you all saying, "why doesn't he just put the new Yami on it.... !"

My Reasoning: If I leave the Mariner on it, the cost of the repairs will still be less than the increased total value if it has a running motor. If I put the Yami on it I won't sell it with it on it since it will go on whatever new boat I buy. The resale value of this boat without a motor is no where close to just the cost of then new parts let alone all the labor. There's just something wrong about parting out a complete engine that's capable of running so I won't do that to the Mariner and that's the only way I could possibly come close to break even.

There's a new North River that I have my eye on. It's made for the Yami 150 and fiancially, it's not that far out of reach right now.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Here's one for the books - While I'm waiting for the ignition parts to arrive I thought I'd take one last look at the fuel system. I squeezed the bulb and heard a gurgle. A couple of more squeezes and the same thing. The bulb was filling but not getting hard. I gaffed it off as air in the lines before but since I'd run the engine for a while I didn't think I should have air now.

My first suspicion was correct. The new Racor filter. I bought two spares so I took the original off and low and behold it was a dummy filter. I don't think it was supposed to be but it was. I put a new filter on it and the bulb pumped up hard as a rock.

Just something to check before you put that new Racor fuel filter/water separator in.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Well, the Mariner had a 16amp stator with a 9 amp rectifier and switchbox. The stator had the add on voltage regulator but it was wired wrong and the spark was weak. The rectifier was partially blown and the trigger was shot (not directly related). The switch box and rectifier was changed out last year by a certified mechanic but apparently he/she didn't check the stator and just disconnect wires and put them back on where they came from. The regulator/stator was setup as if it was a 9 amp stator on a 3 cyl engine. I don't think the conversion was done by the same shop, these folks have a pretty good reputation. Saying they should have known about a conversion wouldn't be completely fair.

Anyway, all new CDI and Mallory parts arrived Thursday, just waiting on the flywheel puller. It should be here next Tuesday and I should have it up and running by next weekend.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Had a great visit with Lakeorbay (Mark) yesterday. I loaded him up with as much left over stuff as he could haul. If he can't use it all he'll find a good home for it or maybe a buyer so he can get something cool for his resto.

After Mark headed back home I went to work on cleaning and restoring the wiring on the Mariner. Once it was all broke down I was able to locate part numbers and track them down to determine for sure if my suspicions were right or not.

Since the shop that did the work is a reputable shop, I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and go with the "I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow, just get it running" scenario. Based on the amount of time it takes to order parts, etc. the mechanic probably did what he could with a warning that the correct parts need to be ordered and installed but this will get you by for now. The latter never happened.

Later when the switch box blew, they simply replaced it with another one but this one was correct for the engine and when the wiring from the stator didn't mate up they guessed. I'm thinking this was a different shop or maybe the owner.

Please don't try to do what I did in this next explanation. It was done on a bench and there is the potential to seriously hurt yourself.

I did a little testing with the old parts with a O scope and a variable dc power supply. I found that I could get spark on #4 but the spark was not as strong as needed. In the three cylinder configuration there is some current flow through the switchbox to the #4 coil if it is present.

So with all that, I've calmed a bit and chaulked it up to the hazards of buying used boats and motors. I'm still waiting for the flywheel puller to arrive but once the new stator and trigger are in, I'm confident it will run correctly.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Final Pics before getting her wet. If the engine runs she will be in the water next Saturday morning.

Just so you know that I actually painted both sides.. LOL .. I wasn't going to bother with sanding and polishing but I had an extra day this weekend so .... here's what she looks like close up.

I found some 1-1/2 bilge pump hose in my shed that I use for the pumps in the french drains along my back fence. It works pretty nice for gathering up all the cables. I split it down the center on one side following the natural curve and it works just like the cable covers you buy.

Blue????? I ordered gray.. Oh well, I must have punched the wrong button. They'll do for now since they won't be in the boat that much anyway.

Please note the color coded PFD's. I swap them when I'm drunk and tell the cop the other guy was driving... LOL.. Seriously, I quit drinking 5 years ago and haven't missed it a bit.

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Hey Steve, Hope I caught you before the big maiden voyage trip. I just wanted to thank you again for everything (parts, advice and encouragement). I was out fishing on Memorial Day at DV. All it did is reconfirm I need to get my resto' done quicker.

Your boat was a beautiful sight to behold in person. Fellow iboaters, The pics do his boat justice. It REALLY IS that clean and professional.

Good thing you got that jack plate schef, reports from Eagle are just as you called it. Very low! Get ready to dig a trench. Looking forward to a fishing report when you get back. Let me know when you're ready for another fishing trip. Enjoy and good luck.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Thanks for the cuddo's Mark, I might get her wet tomorrow. I got the flywheel puller yesterday, installed the new stator and trigger and wired it all back up.

I still have to set the timing on it and replace the ends on the carb link. The P/O overtightened them and they both have cracks. I've jury rigged it for now. It's solid and would probably last a lifetime but you know me and my disgust for jury rigging.

If I get it timed tonight I'm taking a mental health day tomorrow and I'm going to lake Sonoma to get the smoke out of it. The neighbors complained last time I ran it at home and you could see by the neighborhood I live in why that happens. I'm one of the kids compared to the rest and I'm 56.

Back to the electrical. After everything was back in I cranked it over without the plugs in and for the first time ever, my tach actually showed the cranking speed. The gauges also reacted normally with a steady rise to position rather than a snap like before. There was definitely a voltage leak somewhere in the system and that appears to be gone now.

Still, I'll have my fingers crossed at the lake tomorrow.

 

[lakeorbay]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Mental health day LOL. I could use at least 7 of those in a row. Lake Sonoma. Good choice and good luck.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Argghh the best laid plans thing bites. I had to go to San Francisco and fix a network problem. Onsite staff tried to fix things so off site staff had to fix things. I'm headed out to get the timing now and then maybe I'll just drop it in a barrell and get the prelim tuning done. Hopefully the barrell will cut down on the noise. Now if I can just find a big enough barrell.

They say if you rise to the challenges and face them you will come out a better person. My only response to that is, O.K. enough is enough. LOL..

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Hay there sschefer, man she is looking really sweet , just got cought up on her ,been so busy here , really nice work !!! take some video if you can , when you take her out !!! John

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Bummer man. I was looking forward to hearing the results of your motor work.

 

[sschefer]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Yesterday (Thurs, May 28th, 2009) I found a tub at Home Depot that was just deep enough to cover the prop when filled with water. That solved the noise and smoke problem and I was able to do a prelim link and synch and got her out on the lake by about 3:00pm.

Results--

1. No leaks, not a single drop of water in the bilge.
2. Everything in the boat worked as expected.
3. Engine was hard to start at the dock but once it was warmed up it was strong enough to take for a test ride.
4. Out on the lake.
A. Smart tabs were way to tight and created a lot of turbulence near the prop.
B. The Jack plate is holding the engine up too high and cavitation occurs in turns and at about 3800 rpms. This is because of the hydraulic steering hitting the transom if the engine is tilted too far and that's becasue of the 5" back set of the Jack Plate. So the jack plate will come off this weekend.

I never got the boat over 20mph because of the issues but I'll fix those this weekend and try it again next weekend. I'll do a more precise link and synch on the engine and it should run fine.

All in all, a good test run and I think all the issues have been identified. That's why we call it a shake down cruise.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 1991 MonArk Legend 1800 FS

Well the good news is you actually managed to get her wet . I am a ways off from water with any of mine but looking forward to getting at least one of them wet ( from the bottom ) before the season is over .


Rick