Hi folks, Thanks for the input. When we bought the boat, the previous owner complained of the same problem. He said when he got the boat back from the shop the props looked different. He said he didn't remember them being different colors. What was on there was 19 pitch twin, left and right rotation. Correct for the VP Aquamatic AQ260a/290 setup. There is no original configuration information as to what props came on the boat. I did some research and used the prop calculator and the result is either a 19 or a 17 pitch. Since he could not get it up on a plane or get the rpms up to WOT 4200 to 4500, we figured the prop pitch was too high.
I put a set of 17 pitch on it but still have the same issue.
BTW, over the winter, I purchased and rebuilt 2 complete AQ290 outdrives. all new bearings and seals, repainted original. Sent transmissions to Del in California to be rebuilt. Sandblasted the transom plates, pulled and replaced both steering forks and all bushings and seals. replaced U-joints, all new hoses and bellows. remounted the new drives. They work great!.
Then we thought it was the gas being the boat had set for a couple of years, probably with Ethanol'd gas in the tank. I have a 200 gallon aluminum tank in it. It was reading about a 1/4 tank. I removed the fuel level float and inspected the inside of the tank. Clean as a whistle, no sediment, no rust, nothing. We put 100 gallons of fresh 91 octane, ethanol free gas in it and treated it with Stabil 360 Marine. I also blew out the lines into the tank. No clogs. I replaced the fuel filter/water separators with new RACOR 10 micron units with drain bowels. I have already purchased the new Edelbrock 1409 carbs and have one mounted. I will be hooking up the fuel and linkage next week.
After rebuilding the Q-jets and trying to run my starboard engine, it kept stalling. I noticed that when I would hit the throttle, only one primary was aspirating juice. Then when the secondary plates opened, no gas and a bogg. I cant tell you whats up with that, but I have rebuilt many carburetors over the years and the insides of these looked pretty worn out. lots of pitting in the passages. I probably should have replaced the jets and needles while in there, but didnt. I will sell them on Ebay.
So, at the end of the day, this problem has to be either fuel or ignition related since both engines are exhibiting the same problem. Tell me if I am wrong here.
Thanks again for all the help.
Kevin
