More lake testing....THIS REALLY SUCKS!

[Arizona Hotboater]

Well, the boat hit 7300 rpm with a small ear 26 chopper, but only got 70mph. The plugs still dont color even though I put 86's in the carbs. The color is the same with 86's as it is with 72's. Runs best with 80's but the sparkplug color is the same no matter what jets I use. I give up!
AZH

[jimmyb]

how much time have you put on the motor before you check the plugs? if you are running rich, it takes a while to color plugs (hours). sometimes plugs wont even color if it is extremely rich.

A better indicator of rich/lean is to look at the tops of pistons. However, they wont give you a good reading until 10+ hours of operation (you need some carbon build up)

[Arizona Hotboater]

I ran the boat at differing rpm for 30 minutes, then did a speed run and shut it down clean. I have run plugs for a few outings and they will color a bit but not much. And some plugs wont color at all. Several people on this board have said plugs color fast. Greg Moss ran new plugs last weekend and they colored. I am taking my girlfriend out tomorrow for a cruise. I'll wait till the end of the day and check again.
Thanks,
AZH

[Ron V]

Marc,

Something is not adding up. Either the tach is off, the speed measured is wrong, or the slip on the prop is out of sight. Not sure what gear ratio your motor runs, but even if it is the 2:1 gearcase you should be seeing low 80s according to the calculator.

Ron

[Arizona Hotboater]

Yep,
nothing adds up. The 22 pitch small ear chopper and the 26 small ear run the same. same rpm, similar top speed. The 22 has 2% slip. Impossible so my tach must be off. I'm sick of working on this thing. I'll just run the thing till it breaks.
Have a good weekend.
Marc

[Robert]

I think everyone I've talked to reads the plugs at the base of the porcelin.
I recently installed the Dial a Jets on my V-6
225 Johnson and the book that came with it suggests to read
the ground strap.
Half way up the Ground electrode is good, Any less is too
lean, Any more is too rich.
It would make sense it being closer to combustion.
Try calling Lonn Peterson at 320-597-2700 He's answered some
questions others couldn't or wouldn't, very personable.
Next time you do a plug chop, see if it's got color their.
Best of luck

[LaveyT]

Man AZ you have alot of Patince(sp).Buy now I would have bought another 2.4 and told every one I fixed it:)
I dont know,but ive been told That pepole dont, woma.... Opps sorry lost my train of thought.That the tops of the piston were easyer to read?You might take a look in conjunction with your plug reading.Good luck!

[Arizona Hotboater]

Hey everyone, I appreciate the input. I have been told by people that I may wanna sell it and no one would ever know about the plug color thing because it has so much punch, but I cant do that for 2 reasons. 1, I am too honest. 2, its a vendetta now. I have come so far with blood, sweat and tears invested that I must overcome this problem! I'm gonna find the reason. I may haul it to Texas and let Greg Moss have at it. If anyone can find the problem, he can.

I am taking the love Goddess out on the Valero today. (Bikinis are more important that NGK's) I am gonna run it all day and save the plug readings for last. :rolleyes: :confused: I am also taking a bend-a-lite to check piston color. Stay tuned for more in this continuing saga.
Regards to all,
AZH

[Delta]

ATTA BOY!!!!
Now yer talking some sense!
Delta :D :D

[Techno]

Considering all that you have done and the problem I found on mine, have you taken off the reed plate? If this is leaking then I think that it could cause the very problem you're seeing.
If you have already checked this then I think it might be your elevation. The top carb is seeing a different elevation than the middle carb and bottom carb.

You've changed the electronics and switched them, rebuilt the carbs and switched them and re-jetted them. The only thing I can see left is either the fuel/air delivery from the carbs to the chamber and the piston,rings/chamber.

[Arizona Hotboater]

I figured plugs color quickly. Well, maybe not. Maybe my brand new set of NGK's do need some time to color. As for the way it runs, this sucker is a rocket up to 70. After that it climbs slowly. This can be due to elevation. It sure does effect my 4x4 and my motorcycles. I will run the boat a while and not mess with it. Then when I go to Havasu, the elevation will be close to where it was when I tested the boat in Dallas. I'll know more then.
I really need a larger boat. I think I'll have fun with this one and get something with more room over the winter.
Later,
Marc