How can I make my Tracker 40 HP faster?

[burnt clutch]

Like my title said, how do I make this thing go fast? For some background, it has a new stator, rebuilt carb, new fuel filter, fuel pump and fuel lines. It’s on a 13 foot Whaler Sport. Compression is 130 and 120. Since I’ve replaced nearly everything that I can think of, I’m wondering it there’s an adjustment in the throttle linkage that can get it to full speed. Would anyone have a scan of the linkage adjustment from the shop manual that I could use as a guide? Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[alldodge]

Need more info to help the folks come up with what might be needed

Is this a new to you boat?
Is this a new issue or has it always run this way?
What is the WOT RPM being seen?
What is WOT speed?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the tracker branded motors were only on the tracker boats. so this is a second hand motor.

what is the history of this motor

as AD asked, is this a new to you problem with a long-time owned motor, or a new to you motor with a problem?

 

[burnt clutch]

Ooops, I knew I forgot something! Its a 2001 ELPT. Both the motor and boat are new to me. I don't have a tach on it, but according to the Speedometer app on my phone, my best speed has been 8 mph.

 

[burnt clutch]

I just noticed on the data tag for the motor that it's maximum RPM is 5500. I'm going to get an induction tach so I know what RPM's I'm getting and report back to the thread.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Got a pic of the boats keel and the anti-vent plate.

With an ELPT on a short transom, the motor is way too long for the transom

 

[burnt clutch]

Its a 1987 Whaler Sport with a 20" transom. Does my trim angle look correct? My telltale stream isn't the best.

 

[alldodge]

Looks ok, can you fill in the other questions?

 

[jimmbo]

Is the Hull Clean, and Smooth? The Motor looks like it had a Lot of Growth on it. So does the Boat
Motor: What are the Compression Numbers?
Can the Spark Jump a 5/16 Gap on all Cylinder?
Timing and Spark Advance Correct?
Is the entire Fuel System Clean and Functioning Properly

 

[cyclops222]

That picture of the prop ??
It is a flat surfaced 4 blades.
From a food mixing machine.
8 mph looks great.

 

[roscoe]

That picture of the prop ??
It is a flat surfaced 4 blades.
From a food mixing machine.
8 mph looks great.

What?

 

[Jeff J]

the installed propeller diameter and pitch would be good to post with the RPM info requested. What is visible in the picture is raising questions and the wrong prop can make a huge impact on how a boat runs. The numbers should be on the prop although sometimes the numbers on the prop are just model numbers giving no indication of size and pitch.

 

[lgaytan]

About the trim position, make trials in different possitions, I always used the same position in my boat and got 25- 26 MPH out of my 50 HP outboard, just by changing the trim possition to 1 higher place it jumped to 29 MPH, it was a quick easy fix, but something I didn't tried in 18 years owning that boat. It will not break anything just to quickly try.

 

[redneck joe]

Ooops, I knew I forgot something! Its a 2001 ELPT. Both the motor and boat are new to me. I don't have a tach on it, but according to the Speedometer app on my phone, my best speed has been 8 mph.

From your posts I'm assuming this is not your first boat.

A 40hp on a 13 foot whaler should get you mid 20 mph i would guess.

If you are only getting 8 mph something is major wrong.

I can tell roughly my rpms based on sound

A tach will tell you what exactly your rpms are but your ears should tell you if it is anywhere close. Small adjustments to linkage to get from 8mph and probably not on plane, to teens or 20s isn't likely the issue unless the rpms should close to top end.

 

[redneck joe]

Oh and if not peeing well change impeller ASAP. A burnt motor makes all the other stuff meaningless.

 

[Texasmark]

Its a 1987 Whaler Sport with a 20" transom. Does my trim angle look correct? My telltale stream isn't the best.

View attachment 411939

That engine height is excellent. The L in the ELPT identification is indicative of the long (20") mid section.....best I can tell you have a 20" transom in that boat so the height is OK fine!!!

While I am here, the second picture shows the lever that moves the carb butterflies as the lever with the odd shape front edge moves CCW when advancing RPMs.....the screw and jamb nut shown on the left side of the picture is to set your idle RPM.

Remove whatever is in front of your carb(s) exposing the butterflies. Since you have remote control, put the control in the max (WOT) position and look at the butterflies......the disc(s) should be parallel to the carb's Venturi allowing max air to enter the carb.
The upper arm on that assembly goes to the timing adjustment under the flywheel. Timing on my engines went from about 0 degrees to 20+ BTDC....in short...plug fires much sooner at the higher speeds. If this timing is retarded, you max RPMs will be limited. You need a service manual to show you the numbers and how to check engine timing. The two (identical ?) shafts that control the above functions are threaded so that if the numbers aren't correct you can adjust the length to the required value. My guess is that the ends of the rods are friction fit on a stud and I would expect that you could grasp the connection and pull out and it would disengage from its mounting, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments.