Engine issue question

[ToddD]

Hi, Newbe here.  I have a 1994 American Skier Volante with the 350 Mercruiser Magnum Tournament ski motor.  The other day I noticed the bilge running quite a bit and when I lifted up the engine cover it appeared that water was coming out from behind the flywheel on the back of the engine.  It would run fine up to 29-29 mph, bog down a bit but would only get up to about 34 mph.  The engine seems to sound fine (no knocking), the thermostat is holding at a good temp and the oil is clean (not milky at all).  Any thoughts on what this could be?  and does anyone have a good mechanic in MN that could look at it?  Thanks!   

[shyskier]

Make sure it's not just the flywheel slinging water. Check to see if it still happens if the bilge is empty. If it is still coming out there it would have to be a freeze plug or cracked block.

[ToddD]

Thank you, I will do that.  I appreciate the help.

[shyskier]

What did you find?

[ToddD]

2 things.  Apparently it has a heater core that was cracked so they by passed that - Simple fix.  But the exhaust was cracked so they needed to replace all of that.  Put it back on the water last nigh - No water issues whatsoever now but I still can't get it above 33-34 mph.  It goes strong up to there but tops out at that speed where last summer it got to about 45-46.  I did not think to look at the RPM's...I wish I was more of a mechanic to be able to fix this type of stuff.  Any suggestions for a weekend warrior?  It is starting to get costly.   

[lcgordon]

Im not super mechanical but im not dumb with it either. I would guess we may need a bit more info on maybe how the motor sounds at the new top speed. Any surging or anything abnormal? Or is it just like you were to go 34mph on any normal boat but thats all it goes? Its kind of hard to say but I would rule out the prop. I would not think a prop that is not visibly destroyed would go down over 10mph.

[ToddD]

The motor seems steady and strong.  Easy acceleration to pop up 2 skiers or slalom skiers without hesitation.  I hit top speed with my son barefootin and he normally likes to go a bit faster and it was easy to get him to 32mph then it will inch up to max speed at 34 mph.  Luckily he is only 94 lbs so it was able to stay up.

Anyone want to buy a 1994 Volante Tournament with only about 450 hours on it with new exhaust, impeller, starter, ignition, battery located in MN...

[lcgordon]

Huh thats weird. That boat should go way faster.

[ToddD]

yeah, I agree.  I'm not sure if it is a simple throttle adjustment, prop issue or something else.  I called the shop that worked on it and unfortunately the mechanic who did the repairs is off until Monday so unless I get any other suggestions, I might have to wait until he is back and bring it back in.  It pains me to have a nice boat on land, seems very unnatural! 

[lcgordon]

You should try on land with the boat off pushing the throttle all the way down. Then go to the carb and look at where the cable connects. See if the arm can go any farther. Im kind of thinking its a throttle cable or something simple issue.

[ToddD]

I will give that a try.  Thank you very much!

[RonT]

Last check of the website before I head out for a week of skiing myself. Are secondaries opening on the carb? they are vac. controlled and may just be stuck, or the vac. actuator is not working. Distributor not advancing usually backfires. Lack of fuel delivery, anti-siphon valve, lack of fuel pressure, blocked fuel filter  will all cause low speeds. If you get too frustrated my son is looking to buy a Volante.

[ToddD]

Thanks Ron.  I am kinda right on the bubble of frustration, it is a beautiful boat and I get a ton of compliments on it, people can't believe it is a 1994.  It just seems like I am jinxed or something.    If he is interested in seeing pics have him contact me.  Enjoy the weekend!

[backfoot100]

You don't mention if it's a carb or EFI. Could make a big difference in troubleshooting.

[ToddD]

Good question.  How would someone not real mechanically inclined be able to tell?