86Sunsport-phase2

[Okie Boarder]

Good point sybr...I didn't even stop to think about the strut bushings.

[csuggs]

No, I did not pit it in gear for the reasons Sybr stated.

[Ptownkid]

Yeah...learned that one the other day, about 3 seconds and squeallllllllllll.

Haha, they are fine though.

[csuggs]

Finally got to run the boat yesterday!! Yay!!!!!!
Everything went pretty well. I ran with the motor cover off and the rear floor section removed so that I could inspect things as we went along.

THE GOOD
1. Real happy with the prop! I barely had to give it gas to pull up wakeboards, much less throttle than my previous standard 13x13's (even the 4-blade!) Top end was about 3mph faster - up to 43+
2. Alignment seems to be good - no vibrations!!!
3. New PSS shaft seal never dripped a drop
4. Motor is running strong, starting good, sounds good, looks good . . . . .

THE NOT-SO GOOD
1. When I ran the motor at WOT I found a leak at one of the valve cover gaskets, and I forgot to pack my tools. So I wiped up the mess and kept her below 2500rpm. Easy fix. (note to self - put tools back in the boat!)
2. Fuel is leaking somewhere from the fuel filter. I had it all apart over the winter so probably didn't get something sealed. Should be an easy fix as well.
3. The new PSS shaft seal boot seems to have a wobble in it a around 800-1200rpm. When it wobbles it kind of makes a "clicking" sound as well. When I run at cruising or towing speeds, no wobble, no noise. Not sure about that one. Anybody got experience or suggestions?

We will probably get back out either today or tomorrow, or maybe both after making some adjustments.

[DAFF]

What no polish on the hat stand !!! Nice and classy job. The older Sunsports are almost a timeless design.

[csuggs]

What no polish on the hat stand !!! Nice and classy job. The older Sunsports are almost a timeless design.

Haaaa! I knew someone would pick up on that sooner or later. It'll get polished sometime . . . .

Ran her again on Monday and now I have carburetor issues. I think that it is flooding when I shut it off, like maybe the gas is dripping into the intake because if I shut it off and restart it immidiately, it will start back up. But the longer I let it sit, the harder it is to start - like it's flooded. Also the motor back-fired three times on Monday (never had that happen to her before)

So I ordered the Holley carb renew kit from skidim this morning and will have it on Thursday or Friday. I hope that takes care of the problem . . . .

[sybrmike]

Have fun with the 157 parts listed on the exploded diagram. It's not too bad really - clear a nice work area, stay organized, & take your time. Most things will only go back together one way & are pretty obvious.

[csuggs]

I got the Holley rebuild kit and talked myself out of doing the rebuild myself since I know a guy that can do it for me. He's one of these "old school" retired hot rodders that builds engines for drag cars. He has a beautiful '55 Chevy big block and has built drag racing engines for several people I know - so naturally I thought of him for my carb. I should get it back today or tomorrow!

[haugy]

Holy hell man. That's one good looking boat. I feel like I could have surgery on the engine.

Really, top shelf man.

[csuggs]

After installing the rebuilt carb I ran the boat on Thursday and the flooding issue is resolved. Also the choke is working for the first time since I've owned the boat! But there was some hesitation on the hole-shot and an occasional "pop" backfire. Other than that it ran out great.
Went out again today with a drag racing buddy and he diagnosed the problem (I hope) while we were driving the boat with the engine cover off and spark arrestor off. Apparently I'm not getting enough extra "squirt" in the primaries on the hole shot, causing it to go lean and hesitate for a second. He made some improvements fine tuning the carb, but still there's some hesitation. So on the way home I visited the guy that rebuilt the carb and we installed a bigger squirter - from a 25 to a size 32. So now when I throttle-up hard I should get plenty-o-gas! Can't wait to find out tomorrow!!!