Recent Posts

51

Boat Maintenance - American Skier / Re: 1997 American Skier Volante

« Last post by stinegreg on May 04, 2020, 04:04:52 PM »

The boat came with 2 books, parts manual and the other engine service manual, neither of them say what type of oil to use but I did see the 5.7 uses roller lifters instead of tappet style. Now it did give the part number for oil filter but nothing pulls up.  So, do I still use the heavier weight oil or just 10w 30?? 

52

Boat Maintenance - American Skier / Re: 1997 American Skier Volante

« Last post by backfoot100 on May 04, 2020, 08:41:06 AM »

Yes, oil filter is the same.
Just make sure you have an oil that has enough ZDDP.
Most people use a 15W-40 or 20W-50 in marine engines. Most modern standard 10W-30 oils don't have the ZDDP levels suitable for flat tappet engines.
The suitable oil should be addessed in the manuals you say you have.

53

Boat Maintenance - American Skier / 1997 American Skier Volante

« Last post by stinegreg on May 03, 2020, 05:01:09 PM »

Hey guys, I bought this boat from sister 2 years ago and its due for an oil change.  I have the service manuels and the part number for the oil filter doesn't exist. The engine is 5.7 Vortec, would it be the same as a car oil filter or these different??   10w30 fine?  Thanks!!!!

54

General American Skier Discussions / Re: Idle mixture

« Last post by rickturl on April 25, 2020, 06:32:42 PM »

I wanted to revive this thread from 2015 because the ideas have been incredibly helpful, and because I am hoping midskier or someone else can solve my problem. I've done everything suggested in this thread so far, plus a whole lot more. In spite of that, my max speed is 32 mph and max engine rpm is 3400.

Boat: 1990 Volante with Indmar/Ford 351 engine - lake is at 5000' elevation.

Data Collected:

• Idle set to ~750 rpm unloaded; ~650 rmp in gear
• Idle mixture adjusted for max rpm
• Idle timing set to 8 degrees BTDC
• Full throttle speed ~3200-3400 rmp - boat speed ~32-34 mph GPS measured - very light boat with just the driver, ~1/3 tank of fuel, and little to no gear
• Secondaries start to kick in ~2400 rpm - close to fully open by 3200 rpm
• Max timing advance ~30 degrees BTDC at ~3000 rpm

Parts changed so far:

• 80319 Holly Carb rebuilt by National Carbs - rebuilt again by me last month
• Acme 13x11.5 Prop (similar results with the original 13x12 Acme prop)
• Pertronix Flame Thrower II distributor
• Flame Thrower Ignition Coil
• MAGFORCE Marine spark plug wire set
• NGK V-Power Spark Plug (UR4) x8
• Sierra International Fuel Water Separating Filter
• Edelbrock inline FUEL FILTER ELEMENT
• Oil/Filter
• Various secondary diaphragm springs tried - currently using 'purple'

Based on the posts in this thread, it seems I should be able to expect a top speed closer to 42 mph and a top engine RPM of ~4200. Is this a realistic expectation? At 5000'? What else should I be looking at?

Thank you all for your help.
Rick

55

Off Topic / Forum Registrations & Issues

« Last post by RonT on March 21, 2020, 02:11:59 PM »

3/21/20 I hope everyone is doing well as we deal with the Virus Covid 19, in the meantime I have been struggling with a virus/issue of the internet type on our forum. We have added re-captcha (security program) and other security block that required a new applicant to answer various questions, do simple math, etc. to separate the real users vs the bots that have been trying to enter our site. Apparently they have figured out how to bypass all the security measures and have gained entry into our world. We have weeded them out (we were averaging 1 every 5 min.) and I have turned off the user application system. NOW anyone interested in joining our forum will need to send me an email requesting  entry.
Stay safe, and if self-quarantined I suggest prepping the boat, if you are now home schooling and you need disciplinary ideas wax-on, wax-off always works.
RonT

56

General American Skier Discussions / Re: Skylon Pole Help!!!!

« Last post by rickturl on March 03, 2020, 05:24:15 PM »

And never pull skiers with a Skylon - too much side load. I think it’s OK for a wakeboard tho...

57

General American Skier Discussions / Re: Skylon Pole Help!!!!

« Last post by backfoot100 on March 03, 2020, 01:48:47 PM »

Yes it is and I agree that you should never pull tubes with it. They were never designed for that.

58

General American Skier Discussions / Re: New member here, just bought first American Skier- 88 Advance

« Last post by our88advance on February 29, 2020, 08:29:07 PM »

the marine carbs have spring compensated floats to deal with life on the wavement not the pavement

59

General American Skier Discussions / Re: Skylon Pole Help!!!!

« Last post by our88advance on February 29, 2020, 08:20:08 PM »

im behind here so be patient.we are doing a lot of work on our boat that includes removing a wake tower that was there when we bought it.this skylon sounds like what we are considering for tube pulling but most don't recommend using for tubes.is this the extension pole that slips over the ski pole forward of the engine?

60

General American Skier Discussions / Condition of stringers...considering a purchase..

« Last post by ultrarunner on February 20, 2020, 12:36:14 PM »

Hey folks, been out of an AMSkier since I sold my '81 a number of years ago. Currently considering the purchase of another early 80's Skier 18. Boat has had quite a bit of work done to it the last few years. Had the foam removed, boat aired out, some epoxy coating on some of the stringers, etc.

Seller indicated some softness in the core material on the secondaries but indicated the mains are good. Engine cradle bolts all tight, etc...Seller also indicated some blistering on the hull, below waterline.

Did these old skiers have the same stringer issues as the other manufactures of this time period? I know the skiers we're built a bit better, and they were ahead of their time in manufacturing, but once rot starts...well....and it is a nearly 40 year old boat...

Hoping to get up to see it in the next couple weeks.

Thanks for you input.

MS