HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

[Go GT]

I have called several marinas in NC asking if they know how to work on these motors. To my surprise, I am not having much luck.

I hope there is someone on here that resides in NC that knows of a good mechanic in this state that can work on these motors. I took it to one mechanic and was very concerned when he had no idea it had a closed cooling system on it.. (not a good sign).. and proceeded to argue with me that regular car antifreeze would work in it. ???

Can someone please point me in the right direction? Starting to loose faith in it..

BTW- its a 1987 Bayliner 2155, with a 275A VP outdrive.

 

[TulsaTime]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Don't Panic. Yes, you can use regular anti-freeze coolant in this system. Just remember to use distilled water and not tap water to mix the 50/50 ratio. Some books recommend a 70/30 mix. I've have no problems with the 50/50 mix. I have a '86 Bayliner Capri w/ AQ131A/275. I got this boat this year and have done quite a lot of work on it, but nothing earth-shattering. Any mechanic (well, just about any mechanic) can work on this engine. It's about as simple as it gets. If you come across a mechanic that doesn't work on boats, he/she may be inclined to work on this one. Fortunately, I've got some skills and loads of tools and have up to this point avoided any large shop ticket items. I'd be willing to enlighten you on techniques and methods if are a little bit mechanically inclined and have tools. BTW, the volvo engine and outdrive are an awesome piece of engineering and some say they are bullet-proof. I'd have to agree. Also, I got my boat from some people who did not take very good care of her. And she still runs great. I'm sure with a little TLC, yours will be running great in no time.

 

[Go GT]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Don't Panic. Yes, you can use regular anti-freeze coolant in this system. Just remember to use distilled water and not tap water to mix the 50/50 ratio. Some books recommend a 70/30 mix. I've have no problems with the 50/50 mix. I have a '86 Bayliner Capri w/ AQ131A/275. I got this boat this year and have done quite a lot of work on it, but nothing earth-shattering. Any mechanic (well, just about any mechanic) can work on this engine. It's about as simple as it gets. If you come across a mechanic that doesn't work on boats, he/she may be inclined to work on this one. Fortunately, I've got some skills and loads of tools and have up to this point avoided any large shop ticket items. I'd be willing to enlighten you on techniques and methods if are a little bit mechanically inclined and have tools. BTW, the volvo engine and outdrive are an awesome piece of engineering and some say they are bullet-proof. I'd have to agree. Also, I got my boat from some people who did not take very good care of her. And she still runs great. I'm sure with a little TLC, yours will be running great in no time.

Mine is not lack of effort on my part-- it is lack of time.. I run a DC for a company, own a limo business and then own seasonal halloween stores. Needless to say- I am time strained. I barely have enough time to go Boating.

 

[TulsaTime]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Well, if it's not starting, try and replace the coil. It only takes about 5-10 minutes. Mine would not start when I bought it...so I replaced the coil and bingo. Start there and if it does start, you will want to replace the impeller, oil & filter and outdrive oil. You can pick up a coil at an auto parts store. You will have to order the impeller from i-boats or somewhere similar.

 

[Go GT]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Well, if it's not starting, try and replace the coil. It only takes about 5-10 minutes. Mine would not start when I bought it...so I replaced the coil and bingo. Start there and if it does start, you will want to replace the impeller, oil & filter and outdrive oil. You can pick up a coil at an auto parts store. You will have to order the impeller from i-boats or somewhere similar.

Mine starts fine- runs smooth, but my WOT is 3500 to 3800. I am only getting 12-14 mph out of it. It should be in the 25-28 mph range.

I did get a little "run on" when I turned it off Friday. First time it has done that..

Good news is I think I found a mechanic that knows these things-- bad news is he 3.5 hours one way away from me. oh well- guess its a roadtrip!!

 

[TulsaTime]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Sounds like three things may be happening. 1) Incorrect propeller size. 2) Outdrive is slipping 3)Carburator not getting enough fuel to the cylinder head.
Remedies: 1) get a higher pitch prop. this will increase speed with lower RPM's. 2) Take it to a mechanic and have it checked 3)Replace fuel pump and filters and run some Sea-Foam thru your system and maybe some Heet to seperate or get rid of any water in your gas.
You should be getting at least 30mph@3500rpm w/ a 15x21 prop. Mine goes 40mph@4800rpm w/ a 15x21 prop. You should be getting at least 4500-5000rpm at WOT.

 

[Go GT]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Sounds like three things may be happening. 1) Incorrect propeller size. 2) Outdrive is slipping 3)Carburator not getting enough fuel to the cylinder head.
Remedies: 1) get a higher pitch prop. this will increase speed with lower RPM's. 2) Take it to a mechanic and have it checked 3)Replace fuel pump and filters and run some Sea-Foam thru your system and maybe some Heet to seperate or get rid of any water in your gas.
You should be getting at least 30mph@3500rpm w/ a 15x21 prop. Mine goes 40mph@4800rpm w/ a 15x21 prop. You should be getting at least 4500-5000rpm at WOT.

my boat is a 2155 cabin cruiser so that prop (15X21) would not do well on it. I currently run a 15 X 17 and just went to a 15 X 15 for pulling a tube.

The water/fuel separator was just changed and the out drive was completely rebuilt 4 weeks ago. (would not hold pressure so I had the upper and lower re-sealed). This is more an engine issue if you ask me. Just can't figure out where the problems is... hopefully this mechanic knows his stuff!

 

[TulsaTime]

Re: HELP!!! AQ131A mechanic..

Have you had a compression test done? Also, make sure you are getting fire across all cylinders. Sounds like some spark plugs aren't firing.