Idle problems

[Ross333]

I just purchased a 1986 American Skier advance and had some questions.  The boat starts fine but will not idle.  It will only run if it is being given some gas.  It will run strong but as soon as I put it in the neutral position, it dies.  The previous owner had it dewinterized and took good care of the boat but said it had not been on the water for 2 summers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks!

[Mike Harry]

Trash in a jet or idle just needs adjusted sounds like a place to start.

[RonT]

Time for a full tune-up.

[backfoot100]

Time for a full tune-up.

+1

Points, condenser, cap and rotor at minimum. Plugs and plug wires probably wouldn't hurt either. If it were mine, I would replace everything and have a fresh start.

Replace and get timed properly to see where you're at.

[Ross333]

Thanks for the advice guys.  The idle was set too low, so I did adjust that and it ran and idled for awhile.  I am pretty sure the carbs need cleaning based on what my mechanic friends have noticed while it is running.  On a side note I got to run in for about 15 mins the other day and the smile on my face after cruising around was ear to ear.  I have been wakeboarding and skiing behind brand new Supras, Mastercrafts, etc but something about this little boat is a real treat.  It could be that its mine.   

[backfoot100]

It could very well be that a carb rebuild is in the cards but do a good tune up first to see where you're at.

Another thing.....if the boat hasn't been run for a couple summers, did you put fresh gas in it? Did you remove the old gas first or just add fresh gas to it? If you have any old gas in there it could make huge difference until you get rid of all that old crap.

[Ross333]

Took the boat to a place here in Indy that only works on inboards.  Turns out the fuel line was in bad shape and a the filter that connects from the tank to the fuel line was completely clogged.  Also, as suspected the carbs need rebuilt.  Should be done tomorrow. 

[RonT]

This is why I promote replacing the entire fuel delivery system with new alcohol resistant USCG hoses. Carb(s)??

[Ross333]

Got the boat back and used it all weekend.  Runs great!  My last post I was on my phone and must have typed carbs.  Sorry for the confusion. 

[Joel]

VERY COOL!!!  Check inside the distributor cap to see if your still running on points & condenser.   If so, you may want to consider upgrading to Electronic Ignition...  its simple to do and cost around $100 or so.  The engine will run EVEN better and your fuel economy should improve as well.

Glad you got it sorted out!

Joel

[Ross333]

Ok so the boat was running great until 2 days ago I was out on the lake and it started over heating.  I immediately shut the boat off and called a friend.  Realized my impeller was probably torn up.  So I pulled the boat out of the water and the next day got a new impeller and swapped it out. Only problem is it is still over heating.  I followed the lines to make sure water is pumping to the engine etc.  It seems to be pumping water but very little actually makes it out the exhaust.  I am not sure if I installed the impeller wrong or what. There doesn't seem to be any blockages in the lines that I can see.  Any thoughts?

[RonT]

wrong impeller, possible
debris from the old impeller stuck in the wrong places, possible
obstruction in the suction side of the pump, possible
How many paddle blades were missing on the removed impeller?? I always start with the intake strainer, then inlet of the trans cooler, then close inspection of the suction side for cracks, obstructions etc. If nothing found then remove the t-stat housing & inspect for paddle wheel debris, next I would run on a bucket to see if its drawing water correctly.

[Joel]

What Ron said....   If you still cant find the problem, run it without the thermostat just to insure its the thermostat isnt stuck in the closed position.  Then check all your hose connections and make sure your not sucking air...  even a little vacuum leak and it makes it hard to suck up & circulate enough water to keep the engine cool.

Keep on it and you'll figure it out.

[Ross333]

Replaced the thermostat and that fixed the problem but it seems to be overheating at idle which leads me to believe I have some suction issues.  I will check all my hoses and make sure they are all tight. 

[Ross333]

Oh and Ron, per your advice I did all the things you previously had mentioned.  Check for pieces of the impeller, intake strainer etc.  Pretty sure I just have a hose that needs tightening.   Thanks!