New to me 1986 Merc 115 L6

[canoemanG]

I purchased a 1986 merc 115 L6 and bolted a jet foot on it from SPECIALTY MFG, it runs great and doest exactly what it should, Hits 5200 RPM's at WOT. It is bolted on to a Alweld 2008 1856 JC.

I know the old adage "if it aint broke, dont fix it"

But..

Should I go through it and do a link n sync?
(Idle stab is disconnected)

@ cranking what should the max advance timing be at to hit max RPM?

Am i better off setting it running on the water at WOT, if so whats should it be at during running WOT?

I have a manual but from my readings here there are alot of guys who know how to squeeze every last RPM out of the L6 on these forums..

Should i even mess with it or just run it..

Thanx in advance guys!

[gw204]

From what I have read, in a fishing application you want those propped to run closer to 6000 in order to avoid lugging them. I would tend to think the same could be accomplished with an impeller change in the jet drive, but I don't know for sure.

Can't help you with the timing. Sorry.

Being that it's getting up there in age, I think you are right to want to go over things to be sure they are set properly.

[perfmarine1]

you can make sure it is getting full throttle by looking at throttle plates,if not adj full throttle stop,if you know where. For tuning take it to someone that knows how or buy book. Far as rpm's they don't make different pitch impellers, however inspect imp blades for sharpness,check clearance between imp&liner 0.20in is the std.,inspect liner,should be smooth,and grill bars should be straight w/sharp sq. edges. You can try shimming imp.up and down, by moving washers,that are under imp. nut,from bottom of imp to top that will change clearance between imp. and liner, it will have some affect on rpm's but will decrease thrust also. Good luck. If thats a new pump do not try to shim you will lock it up!!!

[canoemanG]

Thanx for the advice guys, this is my 2nd jet rig so I got the jet aspect coverd.

Throttle plates are wide open and everything is hitting, she runs good.

I did a once over, not leaking gas anywhere and everything is doing what it should.

I'll check the timing next time I head out and decide from there.

[delawarerick]

Take a picture sounds like a great ride. Rick

[canoemanG]

Take a picture sounds like a great ride. Rick

It has been a great rig so far. The stability and the toughness, thing is a tank.

Cureently have 3 group 31 deep cycle batteries for my 36 volt 109# Tour guide trolling motor, all 3 batteries are mounted up front for even weight distribution. I have a group 31 in back for starting and accessories. There is a 17 gallon on board tank in back also. I think with motor,batteries and a full tank she sits at 1500 lbs.. That 86 Merc has the timing set dead on per manual and im not going to mess with it.

I'll be rebuilding the block to my 84 so i have a back up throughout the summer. I tend to run 5 or 6 days a week up here in in MN on the upper Miss.

Alweld Sure knows there stuff, i was running a riveted 1648 jon boat with a 30 jet last summer.. this is a whole nother animal.

2008 Alweld 1856 JC



Here are some from this spring prior to mounting the motor..







My girl had a handmade custom cover made for me for my birthday this spring..




Her sitting level.. Early march..

[delawarerick]

That is a niceeeee rig for sure. I like your mascot in the last picture. How shallow of water can you run and do you have problems with weeds getting stuck in the intake? Rick

[canoemanG]

That is a niceeeee rig for sure. I like your mascot in the last picture. How shallow of water can you run and do you have problems with weeds getting stuck in the intake? Rick

Been up north by MN/Canada border for the last week.

good to be gone but good to be home..

It drafts 5" at a sit still and i can run in 3" to 4" of water..

as with all jets, they are vegetarians.. if you know what your looking for you can avoid most floating veg.. it tends to suck up more at idle and low throttle than WOT on step.. I fished 3 lakes and 2 rivers this past week and only had to clear the intake twice and both were me having fun playing *"Chuck Norris".

*Chuck Norris is when you go crashing through the tall reeds and grass, i do not suggest you do this unless you know the other side is clear.