Raveau Report

[XSRaveau]

Managed to get away today and take the Raveau out for the first run of the year. Made a few hard passes trying out a square-cut, 24" chopper on the XS.

Managed only 56 mph on the GPS @ 5800 rpm, something just didn't feel right. After the last pass, when I came off plane, I noticed a an unusual sound emanating from the engine, sort of a ttttt-ttttt-ttttt-ttttt. Planed it out again to head to the landing, and noticed it bogged a bit planing off. Kept it below 4000 the entire way back, it didn't bobble. It definitely would not idle smoothly thru the no-wake zone back to the landing, and would stall and kill when I tried to idle it down real slow.

Got it on the trailer and called my ace mechanic, Richard, who has turned wrenches on Mercs for 35 years. He listened to what I described, and essentially diagnosed a broken reed on the phone b4 I made it to his house.

Turns out, the #1 carb is spitting fuel, indicative of a broken reed. Cylinders #1 thru 3 are noticeably weak (he could easily crank the flywheel over with a ratchet with the plugs removed and his thumb held in a given cylinder). May have ingested a piece of that reed?

I'm pulling the powerhead this am to take it to Richard.

The saga continues.............

[Mark75H]

The symptoms do add up and point that way:(

[XSRaveau]

worse. Could have a rod thru the block or some other disastrous condition.

Pulled the gearcase this am as well (have a small, barely perceptible leak oil leak) and noticed the copper water tube was slightly elliptical shaped at its' mouth. The plastic sleeve was fitted up well, but got to thinking maybe I was losing a bit of water at that connection, and therefore was not getting full pressure to the top cylinders. The engine gave no indication of running hot.

It's evident though, the engine is not making full power because 56 mph @ 5800 or 42 mph @ 4500 just don't look right. With the right prop, given the 500# hull weight, I should be running 65-70, I would think.

[Raceman]

Eric, I don't believe that a broken reed would account for your loss of power. I think you'd see more of a problem in the lower speeds than the upper. If it's a broken reed I think you'll find another problem also. You've sure had your share of bad luck with that motor.

[XSRaveau]

reed is more of a problem @ low rpm than high, as it wouldn't idle well after the event, but would still build rpm.

Bet I have a scored cylinder or three, hopefully it won't warrant an overbore.

It has been an adventure, but I suppose you have to almost expect that to some extent. My luck has been too good with Mark 20's, 58's and 75's and Merc. 500's that have been completely trouble free.

At least now, I'll know what I have when I go back together with this one, and it should be dependable.

[eautosales]

wow my xs is untouched other than scheduled maintence
ive owned it for 10 years it sat idle for 3 years i cleaned & primed the carbs and she fired right up sorry to hear about all the troubles yours is giving you good luck dont give up

[delawarerick]

Usually I would have an omc remark but to be honest that rig is a ten and the motor complimented the hull. Did you do a compression test? Keep us posted on what you find. Good luck Rick

[Jeff_G]

XS, RM, keep in mind with a broken reed it will suck water just like a bad side plate which will make starting harder, bad idle, no punch and way off on top end.

Glass or metal reeds?

[XSRaveau]

it definitely was a broken metal reed on #1/2, along with a less than perfect condition reed block. Pistons 1, 2 & 3 are slightly scored, will need replacement.

He will take it to his ace machine shop guy in the am to check for concentricity in the bores to determine whether they warrant overboring.

Bleed restrictors were missing in all three sidel plates.

My questions are, do I go with Wiseco's or does anyone have some NOS pistons (overbore notwithstanding).

Should I go to carbon fiber reeds (are they available)?

[Mark75H]

Boysen has fiberglass reeds for the 6's. I don't know if carbon fiber is really justified. They cost a lot more than the fiberglass reeds and I don't think there is a performance increase on the inline 6's.

[Jeff_G]

I would stay with the steel reeds. Use new reeds and rebuild the blocks. In almost 30 years I have never broken a steel reed. the glass reeds will wear out and need replacement and we know what a deal that is.

Yes replace the bleed restrictors, although not as critical as most will tell you.

For pistons I would use either Mercury or the Sierra (Persan) pistons. I personally like the newer style two ring semi-keystone ring piston. They can be mixed with the 3 ring pistons, but better to replace all 6. Either way don't be afraid of the Sierra piston. I would NEVER use Weisco in an inline.

Replace all the end cap seals while the motor is down unless done recently.

Set the carbs at 2 turns out as a preliminary adjustment and all should be good.

Get the motor apart and check for rust or water on the crank from the reeds.

[XSRaveau]

I'll stay away from Wisecos and replace all 6 with Sierras or some other aftermarket piston.

Will stay with steel reeds (Richard said in 35 years, that was only the 3rd one he had seen that chipped a reed).

My luck continues.......

On a brighter note, the Z-plane hull on the Raveau is an incredibly smooth, solid ride. Not a bobble from plane-off to WOT, with zero chine walk. Once I get this 1500XS rebuilt and broken in, it should be a sweet ride.

[Jeff_G]

If you are doing all 6 use the 2 ring, semi-keystone ringed pistons. I think the sierra number is 18-4520. They are better than the old 3 ring. If you need some give me a call. 843 844-8739

[XSRaveau]

Jeff? I do need all six. Had a price of $87/ea. for a brand of piston I can't recall the name of.