Kootenay Troller
Seaman
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2013
- Messages
- 52
OK here are the grimey details, been lurking for a while but only registered recently
1974 StarCraft 18' Holiday
140 Merc Serial #3695114 Code on block by distributor M0201EAF
Compression 140, 140, 135, 140
Oil Pressure 60 psi at idle and rises when you get on the throttle
Runs really well
Already converted to Pertronix
I just bought it from a guy who discounted it $$$ because it was making noise and he wasn't sure if it needed a new engine or not, I figured after listening to it that it wasn't rod or bearing related. I have not run this boat in the water yet, I wanna get some faith in that it won't leave me stranded.
The engine had what I can only explain as a knock thoughout the entire RPM range, not a deep crank knock and I couldn't make it go away with any type of throttle movement, pulling spark plugs one cylinder at a time didn't really do anything. I was banking on lifter.
Because I wanted a good foundation I put new cap and rotor, new plugs and set the timing to 6 BTDC at approx. 650 rpm on muffs. More fine tuning to be done when on the water.
I re adjusted the valves but marginal improvement.
I pulled the lifters and found one that was mismatched, much lower plunger height on #4 hole. I also found one pushrod that looks like it had been replaced on #3 hole. I disassembled all the lifters looking for any buildup but they came apart smooth, they looked great. I was doubtful that with the adjustable rockers that the mismatched lifter would have made much difference but since I had already bought the new lifters I'd go through the hassle of breaking in the new lifters just so I had all my bases covered.
Well beat me loud.......the knock is gone now at idle.
BUT I got more noises to track down, worst of which sounds like loose sheetmetal/ top end rattle at 2000-3000 rpm range, it was getting dark so I didn't have any time to do some serious looking.
Timing gears do sound a bit noisy but I hear that's to be expected!
I've read a ton of the archived posts and tidbits here and there sound promising but the info is incomplete
Questions:
1.)Will a mechanical fuel pump from this era, powered off the cam with a lever arm and NO pushrod Cause a knock or a rattle?
2.)Will the exhaust flapper make a LOUD sheetmetal rattle, this is not an intermittent sound, when the RPMs start climbing its pretty constant, and if you blip the throttle it rattles on deceleration too. Almost worse
3.) I haven't checked the starter or flywheel yet and wanna leave the stuff that requires upsetting the engine alignment until the end.
4.) Anything I might be overlooking
Hopefully Ill be able to run it tomorrow in the water, weather permitting, perhaps under load in the water it might change its tune
Thanks and sorry for a lengthy first post
1974 StarCraft 18' Holiday
140 Merc Serial #3695114 Code on block by distributor M0201EAF
Compression 140, 140, 135, 140
Oil Pressure 60 psi at idle and rises when you get on the throttle
Runs really well
Already converted to Pertronix
I just bought it from a guy who discounted it $$$ because it was making noise and he wasn't sure if it needed a new engine or not, I figured after listening to it that it wasn't rod or bearing related. I have not run this boat in the water yet, I wanna get some faith in that it won't leave me stranded.
The engine had what I can only explain as a knock thoughout the entire RPM range, not a deep crank knock and I couldn't make it go away with any type of throttle movement, pulling spark plugs one cylinder at a time didn't really do anything. I was banking on lifter.
Because I wanted a good foundation I put new cap and rotor, new plugs and set the timing to 6 BTDC at approx. 650 rpm on muffs. More fine tuning to be done when on the water.
I re adjusted the valves but marginal improvement.
I pulled the lifters and found one that was mismatched, much lower plunger height on #4 hole. I also found one pushrod that looks like it had been replaced on #3 hole. I disassembled all the lifters looking for any buildup but they came apart smooth, they looked great. I was doubtful that with the adjustable rockers that the mismatched lifter would have made much difference but since I had already bought the new lifters I'd go through the hassle of breaking in the new lifters just so I had all my bases covered.
Well beat me loud.......the knock is gone now at idle.
BUT I got more noises to track down, worst of which sounds like loose sheetmetal/ top end rattle at 2000-3000 rpm range, it was getting dark so I didn't have any time to do some serious looking.
Timing gears do sound a bit noisy but I hear that's to be expected!
I've read a ton of the archived posts and tidbits here and there sound promising but the info is incomplete
Questions:
1.)Will a mechanical fuel pump from this era, powered off the cam with a lever arm and NO pushrod Cause a knock or a rattle?
2.)Will the exhaust flapper make a LOUD sheetmetal rattle, this is not an intermittent sound, when the RPMs start climbing its pretty constant, and if you blip the throttle it rattles on deceleration too. Almost worse
3.) I haven't checked the starter or flywheel yet and wanna leave the stuff that requires upsetting the engine alignment until the end.
4.) Anything I might be overlooking
Hopefully Ill be able to run it tomorrow in the water, weather permitting, perhaps under load in the water it might change its tune
Thanks and sorry for a lengthy first post
Last edited:
