HELP!! Novice has power problems!

[jrfehrman]

Just bought a 1993 Excel with a Volvo Penta 230. Bought it dirt cheap as a "fixer upper," even though we don't really know what we're doing. It starts great and runs. First time out, we went around the whole lake at about 10 mph, then it finally kicked in and felt great. When we slowed her down, it wouldn't plane out or gain any speed for another 10 min or so. When we get fuel straight from a gas can, it runs great. Besides a tune up, what should we do next?<br />Thanks for helping very eager beginners!

 

[Mahoney]

Re: HELP!! Novice has power problems!

IF it is a fixer upper, I am guessing it was neglected when sitting, and the whole fuel system has crap gas in it. I would start with cleaning out the gas tank, this could mean draining and removing it. Check anti-siphon valve, pickup tube and screen as well as any filters at the carb or inline. Definitely change the fuel water seperator, or add one if it doesnt alreay have one(they are cheap).<br /><br />If it still runs like crap, I would move on to doing a full tune up, which should be done anyhow, compleate from ignition and timing to rebuilding carb.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: HELP!! Novice has power problems!

How old is the gas in the boat?Check fuel filters for starters.When you pull it,cut a gallon plastic jug in half,pure the filter in the jug and let it setlle to see if and how much water you have.

 

[jrfehrman]

Re: HELP!! Novice has power problems!

Thanks for the advice. We drained the gas tank once, but didn't clean it. We'll try that. I just ordered all the stuff for a simple tune up as well.<br /><br />Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, we're not in over our heads!

 

[Don S]

Re: HELP!! Novice has power problems!

Along with the tuneup, I would sure recommend some drive service.<br />Those ujoint bellows are only good for about 3 years max, then you are on borrowed time.<br />Water in them can (and will) damage the ujoints, get water into the drive oil which takes out bearings and gears. The water also will get into the intermediate bearings and damage them. So, all in all, you don't want those bellows to fail.<br />Change the drive oil, the single prop drives use standard 30W motor oil for gear lube.<br />Your drive system costs as much to repair as the engine, so be careful with it.