Finally got the engine to run the way it's maker intended! Turns out the timing and throttle linkages were so far out of sync it's a wonder it fired at all. I had the starter motor rebuilt...after 50 years it certainly needed it! I also replaced a dodgy starter solenoid. While I was at it I replaced all the battery cables and connectors with proper marine stuff, the heavy cabling to the solenoid was still the original 50 year old stuff, and yes it was very corroded!
My test tank is too small to run the engine above idle speed in gear, so I had to wait for my second on water test to see how it would perform. The stills and video at the head of this update were taken on that run from Windsor boat ramp on the upper reaches of the Hawkesbury River here in NSW, Australia. The engine had oiled up very badly from a combination of endless cranking without firing and a 25 to 1 premix as the engine had been standing so long. I also squirted outboard two stroke oil into all the cylinders and spun it by hand with no plugs fitted.
The video above the previous paragraph was when the engine finally fired and would idle. No doubting its a stroker with all the smoke!
The on water trial, with the help of my brother in law, Gary Speck went very well. This was the first time I had run the boat above about 10 knots......the first time on the water the engine was so poorly I wouldn't rev past 1/4 throttle and the carb and fuel pump were also leaking badly.
After a thorough warm up, I gradually worked the engine up to WOT giving 30 knots with two big blokes on board and some gear plus a full tank of fuel. I ran like a Swiss watch. Smooth, torquey and giving a great hole shot. This 50 year old engine and hull combo still delivers the goods in my opinion. Handles very well and is a hoot to drive. And that V4 howl....
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