Rebuilding a 1988

[cmurph]

I have a 1988 Ski Nautique 2001 that seems to be getting old. It has been having electrical trouble (not starting, the circuit causing trouble, the dash seems to surge all the time, but they all seem attributable to old age), but now the hole shots and the top end are definitely fading. The boat starts up alright, the idle is too low, but that is adjustable, my concern is that the engine is losing power. I had it serviced and tuned last year, but I don't know. Also, the tach seems to be broken, it only reads 3500 at top speed, but it sounds like the engine is getting up in rpms. Do you think a rebuild is the correct answer? Or are there parts that I should first fix/replace before I continue that line of thought? I am running an OJ 4 blade prop per the suggestion of the local dealer, but I have not noticed any increased performance. I have read that if I do rebuild, I should use new headers and other PCM parts, do you guys concur? Thanks for all your advice!

[M3Fan]

RE: Rebuilding a 1988

What is the pitch and diameter of the prop? Is the engine burning/using oil? I'd do a compression test before even thinking about a rebuild. Let's start there.

[surroundsound64]

Re: RE: Rebuilding a 1988

What is the pitch and diameter of the prop? Is the engine burning/using oil? I'd do a compression test before even thinking about a rebuild. Let's start there.

Ditto.

[AirJeff]

RE: Re: RE: Rebuilding a 1988

How many hours are on the engine? What did you tune up include?

Here are a couple ideas:
You may want to rebuild your carb. While you're at it check the timing, distributor, spark plugs, wires. Some "tune ups" include these, or at least will recomend at additional cost. Around here seems like they put in new plugs, adjust your idle and maybe choke, put on new belts, change fluids and call it a tune up. I've seen boats that had no power transformed by a rebuilt carb and setting the timing correctly. Just a thought anyway.

[Bob's2001]

RE: Re: RE: Rebuilding a 1988

I have an 83 and the performance was failing this spring. I rebuilt the carb, new plugs, distributor cap, rotor, wires. Also had to replace a leaky exhaust manifold. Now it pulls like a champ. A compression check would be a good idea, too. Mine has 125 psi with 754 hours.

Bob
83 SN 2001
Monster Tower

[cmurph]

RE: Re: RE: Rebuilding a 1988

Thanks guys, I will give those things a check first. -- Chris

[DavidF]

RE: Re: RE: Rebuilding a 1988

I concur with above posts. Also, disconnect and/or replace that tach. A short in the tach can kill the ignition system or weaken the spark.