poor performance

JonChristman · Post by **JonChristman** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 11:20 pm

I have only had my F26 for about 6 weeks and I finally got it out on the lake for an extended run and I have some concerns over the performance and wanted to get some input from the experts here to see what their options are.

This 1980 has the original Chrysler 318. As I throttled up I maxed out at about 3000 RPM and speed was about 16kts. I pulled back on the throttle to a comfortable 2400 RPM and was cruising about 12kts. At either setting it didn't seem to have enough speed to plane out properly. The trim don't seem to be working properly as I could not detect anything either up or down with them.

I want to get your thoughts on this. Should I be expecting more from this ancient power plant? What can I do to get it help it out a bit? Should I be able to get on plane with heavy use of the trim tabs?

Thanks
Jon

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 11:31 pm

Is the bottom clean ? what rpm are you getting at Wot ?

JonChristman · Post by **JonChristman** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 11:55 pm

Not sure how clean the bottom is, probably not since it was put in the water

I will know for sure tomorrow as it gets pulled from the water for the winter and hauled home.

MattSC · Post by **MattSC** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:01 am

Hi Jon, welcome to the forum. Your 318 should be able to reach 4000 rpm at WOT.

-like Prowlerfish stated, make sure your bottom is clean

-Do you know what prop is on the boat? A Chrysler 318 with a borg warner 1:1 should have a 14 x 10 cupped propeller

-I'd also fix your tabs, are they all the way up? You should be able to get on plane without having to use your tabs too heavily

When I had a 318 in mine I'd cruise at 17kts, 3100 rpm and max out at 25kts 4000 rpm. I could obtain these speeds at those rpm's and was just shy of 2000 hrs before I did my repower. The 318 is a great engine, we should be able to help you figure it out.

Matt

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 5:42 am

my money is on a dirty bottom and or barnacles on the props.

It doesn't take too much there to greatly affect performance.

RWS

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:15 am

IF the bottom is clean, make sure you're getting full advance out of the distributor...common issue with these.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:14 am

I doubt he has barnacles in Lake Erie or another smaller inland lake which is where I am assuming he is since he is in Norwalk, Ohio.

Sounds like maybe a prop issue or timing advance. I would also check the compression since he states it is the original engine which makes it 30 years old.

If I am reading his post correctly, he has owned it for six weeks and just now got it out on the lake for an extended run.

JonChristman · Post by **JonChristman** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 1:40 pm

Yes, the boat is on Lake Erie so no barnacles. But the bottom was covered, qute heavily with a lot of green slimy nastiness which I am sure was dragging down the boat.

After the cleaning it is a pretty blue again. but it will need a new paint job pretty for sure.

I will definitly look into the distributor too over the winter.

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 8:36 pm

Two of my slip neighbors have similar boats, both with the 318s. Both had the exact same problem until they each replaced the props. Now they're both running great.
Also.... you can always check your tabs by putting your boat pole on top of them and having someone push the buttons. You'll see the pole go up and down.

JonChristman · Post by **JonChristman** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 8:58 pm

The prop is the right size, and shape. It is slightly pitted and rough, but not extreme. Should I replace the prop?

I did some troubleshooting on the tabs this afternoon and it appears they are getting no power. The hot wire fed from the 12 VDC Refridge main box (Why he connected it there is a mystery) I moved the wire and tied it to an open fuse and bingo, got working tabs now.

The next step now will be troubleshooting the refridge main to determine why that doggone thing is not working...

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 9:36 pm

Welcome to boating..... we would go crazy without a list!

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:35 pm

Already out for the winter? Ouch. Boating seas=on is just resuming here (after the summer 95 deg lull).

Clean bottom makes a lot of dif ... check the timing, etc. all the usual things on a 30 year old engine.

JonChristman · Post by **JonChristman** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 9:38 am

End of season here is Nov 1, but I am going to be in Hawaii for the last two weeks of October so had to pull it out this week. Fortunately this past weekend was beautiful on Lake Erie, 78 sunny, and waves less than 2ft.

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 1:59 pm

Mine is coming out Saturday. Like you, beautiful this past weekend on Lake Michigan - waves <1 ft. and about 80 degrees and sunny. Nice way to wrap up a season. Still get depressed though.

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Tue Oct 12, 2010 4:34 pm

going to try to squeeze out 3 more weeks....