225 Ocean Runner WOT

[Stumpknocker]

The boat belongs to a friend. He rebuilt the carbs and they seem fine. However we went offshore yesterday and he was cruising at about 25 or so and was at 4400 rpms. He swears this engine/boat...(23 ft CC) burns 25 gallons per hour. Every trip. One hour out and one hour back. 50 gallons. Seems very high fuel consumption to me. I asked him what his WOT was. He replied... this is it. 4400. The boat was purchased from the Florida Marine patrol a year or so ago. I suspect the wrong pitch anyway. <br /><br />Anybody know what this engine should be at WOT with average load? <br /><br />E225TXEDE Supposedly a 1997.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Its a 1996 and is almost 2000 rpm short. Im surprised the motor lived this long. <br /><br />Before we jump to conclusions though lets look at the tach. Make sure its an OMC/BRP tach and is set on position 6. <br /><br />If thats OK then we'll look at set up to gain efficiency. Knowing the prop pitch and type is critical. We want that motor set up at, or as close to, 6000 with an average load as possible.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

I suspect the prop on it was not what the Marine patrol ran.... the boat has only been out a few times. I warned him that I thought this could do some serious damage....<br /><br />The tach is an OMC tach. I will find out if it is set to 6 ect. It feels like hes pulling a small sea anchor when cruising. At least the sound of it. Laboring. <br /><br />The prop on it now is SS and there is nothing on it but FMP. No numbers at all.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Gil009,Don't get too far ahead of yourself before checking the basics,spark,compression and fuel quality.The fuel should be okay unless the engine skips.I frequently find v-6 outboards running on less than all 6.Mercs more often,but weak spark,or no spark on 1 or more cylinders is often overlooked.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Thanks, will make sure about the spark. Relaying this to him because he's retired and learning about boats and motors and has no internet service. <br /><br />I will try and link a photo of the boat on the trailer just before we launched it. You will see that the engine is mounted on an attached mount that bolts up to the transom. This boat hull looks as if its an I/O as far as the transom looks but its not. So the engine is trailing behind the boat about 3 feet. <br /><br />I think I can get the picture loaded up to photobucket. Will try and link it here in a few minutes.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Sounds like a typical bracket mount. A very nice set up.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Best bet is to call the Marine Patrol & find out what they were runnin. Then take the props to your local prop shop.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Just talked to George, he says he will verify the spark tomorrow, and also talk to the guy he purchased the boat from. He did advise that the title to the boat lists it as a 1971 Fish and Ski 23 foot INBOARD. He will also check the hull for manufacturing placard and more info.<br /><br />Quite possible that since the boat was sold from the Florida Marine Patrol and resold to George that there was a prop change. In any event if all 6 are hitting..... sounds like the prop.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

<br /><br />We launched her Saturday at Carabelle, Florida. Caught 75 lbs of Black Sea Bass. Burned about 50 gallons of fuel because of the RPM problem. <br /><br />I was wondering... is this model 225 one that drops off to 3 cylinders when in neutral? If so... how do you easily check for fire on all 6?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

It idles on all 6.<br /><br />Dont be too quick to change props just yet.

 

[Reelly]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

only drops to three possibly when the shift interupt switch is in place. This allows for easier shifting. not sure of the exact cylinders but most to cut out one side for shift ease. But this is o fast you will not know it.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

George advises that on the rear of his tach (which is OMC) 175354-04-FX<br />5-6-10 PUL-REV<br />6 PIL REV OMC SEADRIVE<br /><br />I suppose this must mean something to someone. Hmmmm? Not me.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

OK. Is it set on 6?

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

He doesn't know about the setting. I don't use that kind of tach, mine is digital. He wants to know how to check the settings. Is this on the tach somewhere?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Yep, on the back. Should be something like a little dial that can be moved.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Thanks, will pass this through the antique grapevine called the phone. Poor guy lives in the 20th century up there in a sleepy little fishing village.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Update.... the tach is on position 6.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

OK, we can assume the tach is fairly accurate. Start by raising the motor on the bracket. Go as high as possible without losing prop bite or water pressure. If you lose bite but still have pressure, stop. Do not lower the motor. Then it will be time to look at props.<br /><br />If you raise the motor and the boat gains speed but the tach is still stck at the same rpm, it still may be bad. Obviously the best scenario would be to test with a shop tach.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

BTW -- even though the rpm is way off the fuel consumption isnt that far off. A 225 should burn about 22.5 gallons an hour at wot.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: 225 Ocean Runner WOT

Thanks Dhadley, George advised me he will start that procedure right after Christmas. He has to back the boat into a friends garage in order to be able to lift the engine. <br /><br />I suspect you are correct in that the above picture shows the extension on the old ex-inboard and George says he worrys its too low because of the waves threatening the motor at times anyway. He will call me as soon as he gets started on this project. He will also hook up a tach to the engine next trip out. (Aux tach)