1988 Saltare 454 engine problems

[irishleacher]

hey guys,

So I just spent a long weekend on the lake and had some issues I would like to figure out and fix. First, the boat starts and runs perfectly fine, without any starting problems, running problems or power. boat goes appx 42MPH at full throttle. Then when the boat is turned off and we float for a bit say 15minutes to 30minutes, the boat starts up perfectly fine, idles well but the power is almost non-existant. One thing I wonder is due to the fact that my blower (fan) has not been working well, and squeals very loudly, I don't always have it on very long before starting. I wonder if it has something to do with the cooling of the engine. My Thermostat appears to be working well, and i took off the water pump cap, and it is getting water fine. Would the issue that the blower isn't used enough be the problem? As long as the engine sits for a period of time it gets full power back, and As long as I don't shut it down, I can ride it without any issue.

The second problem is that I have alot of play in the steering wheel. What can I do to adjust/fix the play, and also the steering wheel has become very difficult to turn, is there a fitting I need to look at or something of that nature? Thanks for the help in advance.

Ben

[wotan2525]

The engine problem is a head scratcher but definitely not related to your blowers. Those only serve to remove gas vapor that may be sitting in the bilge and prevent explosion -- they have no effect on engine temperature or how an engine would run.

I'd say you're looking at a fueling problem related to vapor lock. Have you checked/changed your fuel filters? I'd start there.

The steering issue would be due to a worn helm and an old and sticky steering cable. SkiDim sells a kit with a new helm and cable -- it really makes your steering 1-finger smooth and easy.

[irishleacher]

ok, I will definately purchase a new steering cable. As for the fuel filter, it has been changed, and is not a problem. It seems that as long as the engine cools off some then it runs fine. I have thought it might be the water pump impeller, and if so I am wondering where it is located and how easy it is to fix.

[wotan2525]

If your temps are good, your impeller and cooling system are functioning fine. It's a fuel issue in that the fuel boils out of the float bowls when hot. Are you using a mechanical fuel pump or electric?

[irishleacher]

I'm not sure, i"m guessing original but can't remember. Also what helm and cable should I purchase from Skidim? I don't see where I can put my make and model in to purchase the right one.

[wotan2525]

I'm not sure, i"m guessing original but can't remember. Also what helm and cable should I purchase from Skidim? I don't see where I can put my make and model in to purchase the right one.

The Saltare uses the 18ft system.

http://www.skidim.com/ROTARY-SYSTEM-18-CABLE/productinfo/UFLROTECHKIT18/

[irishleacher]

The fuel pump that is currently on the engine is mechanical. Should I consider replacing it was an electrical one? If so which one should I purchase?

[wotan2525]

The fuel pump that is currently on the engine is mechanical. Should I consider replacing it was an electrical one? If so which one should I purchase?

If the mechanical works I don't see any reason to replace it.

[Salty87]

Then when the boat is turned off and we float for a bit say 15minutes to 30minutes, the boat starts up perfectly fine, idles well but the power is almost non-existant.

Have you limped back to the dock or does it eventually cool off and run properly again?

Could it be a coil acting up?

[irishleacher]

Once the boat cools off, it usually starts performing normally. If the boat is constantly running I don't thing it has a problem. Its usually after pulling people skiing for a while, then shutting it down to switch riders and life vests/ ropes etc. for 10mintues-1hr, and then the boat starts fine, and will bog down at 1/2-full throttle.

[irishleacher]

Just wondering if anyone has any advice to stop my problem of my boat losing power after pulling people for a while. Should I change the fuel line's to a bigger diameter? could my fuel pump be going bad, and should I get a new one? should I do anything with my carb? I live in PA, so I won't be out on the water until about May, but would like to get the boat fixed before the season.

[TitanTn]

I agree that it sounds like a fuel delivery problems after it's hot - sometimes called vapor lock. Since it runs fine until you let it sit I don't think the fuel pump is the issue. The mechanical pump shouldn't be affected by heat soak. You could try wrapping the fuel line from the pump to the carb in some heat tape and then run your blower, or lift the doghouse when you stop to keep the heat from building up and boiling off the fuel in the line. Easy things to do and see if it affects it at all.

[cadunkle]

Can you elaborate on "no power". Does it just not rev up under load when it's acting up but runs smooth, you don't don't get normal RPM? Does it misfire at all?

I would be looking at fuel supply issues first. Change the filter, check screen at carb inlet (if present) for clogs. Check output of fuel pump, replace if in doubt. I would not use an electric pump. Check for low fuel in carb bowls when this happens. What carb are you running? It could also be vapor lock. I had hard starting issues when hot until I got a phenolic carb spacer. It's thin, maybe 1/2" but it was enough to not heat soak the carb.

Regarding teh steering. Yours is probably due for new everything as most 30 year old boats are. I finally did mine last year, new rudder, cable, and helm. It's so much easier to steer and slop is eliminated... Well aside from a small amount from the block I didn't replace, but I expect when I replace that it'll be as tight as a new boat. Have a look at my thread here: https://forum.supraboats.com/showthread.php?18402-Rudder-replacement

[irishleacher]

As far as the "no power", basically It bogs down completely, and will not get up to speed at all, as if it does not get enough fuel. The weird thing is, If it starts up fresh, I can probably keep it at full power all day long as long as I don't stop the boat, shut it down and let it sit. I have not yet tried this, but I did ride it at full throttle my last trip on the water for about 1/2 and did not lose any power at all, and it was running great. It does start right up the first time every time. I have changed the fuel filter many many times, due to the fact that I thought it was clogging, but I have emptied the gas tank now so I don't worry about that being the problem. The carburetor I'm sure can get tuned up. I have also thought about replacing the impeller in the water pump. The only thing that I can definitely say is different when it was acting up is that I was boating where the water temp was easily in the 80degrees. Which was not common before, but I took it to Lake Norman in August. The other thing that could cause a problem, is my exhaust blower is shot, which started acting up late in the season, and I also had a couple cracks beside the engine housing, which I insulated so I didn't have to hear the noise from the engine running. I am going to get everything for the steering, and fix that for sure.

[Jetlink]

So, it runs fine at WOT but anything less than that it bogs down and hesitates? Is it possibly that your fuel/air ratio is off below full throttle because the secondaries are opening up? I had a problem where my boat would only run at WOT and anything less it bogged down and died.