1992 Maxium 24ft cuddy 350mag alpha 1 gen 2 Issues!

[jonesy68]

Last year had boat almost every weekend and it ran like a top. Took it out of storage and put muffs on and it started right up with no issues left run for but a 1/2 hr to get things cleaned and ready to go. Took to the lake it ran good. ran at wot till we had to slow down for no wake, so cruising I heard valves rattle a bit and engine smelled hot Temp gauge was @180?) so I shut it down. I went ahead and took thermostat housing off to see if thermostat was stuck but it was open and it looked like there was no water in engine. Got towed in and after talking to this person he thought the impeller is bad. I replaced the impeller put I all back together and went ahead and replaced thermostat again but before I did I went ahead put lower unit in a tub of water and started the motor so I could see if water was reaching the motor which it did. got it all put back together and following week went out to the lake and like last time I let it come up to temp(160) ran it at wot and it ran like never before till we got to the no wake zone then same thing happened. I turned back around and limped our way back to dock as we where heading back it the engine would sumble then smooth out and run fine. I'm at a lost. Could it be the interrupter switch?????

 

[alldodge]

Since it overheated once and now its stumbling, I would do a compression test, may have a head gasket issue. If you haven't replaced the fuel filter then you might do that also. Pour contents into a clear baggie to see if anything is seen other then gas

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

What happened exactly in the no wake zone -- Did your temperature increase ?

Reason I ask -- If the temp is rising at slow speeds -- that's often a sign of an impeller that's producing low flow at low rpms / And you may want to open the drive up again & make the impeller got enough water in the barrel to avoid any damage -- Muffs on a hose is the preferred method -- I often use electrical tape to ensure the muffs do not slip. Running the impeller without water will cause it to overheat & get damaged in short order. // Could be some sort of obstruction in the cooling system also.

If its running rough but the temp is OK then disregard this & look into fuel delivery.

 

[tpenfield]

:welcome:

So, you have an overheating issue when coming off plane?

Is that the issue? or is the issue that the engine is stumbling after running at cruising speeds and having slowed down to wake speeds?

Just not sure from what you have described . . .

 

[jonesy68]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I don't have an overheating problem. Temp has never gone over 180. I have already replaced impeller and had good waterflow up on top of engine. So impeller is working. I also changed thermostat. Took to the lake launched and ran great cruised about 3500rpm for a good 10-15mins. Slowed down and idled through zone and valves chattered. And it sounded like it was cutting in and out. Limped back to dock and it was like it wouldn't take any fuel. Trim up and down and it cleared up the went back to the same. Could it be and interrupter switch?

 

[alldodge]

Basics:
Check fuel pressure 4 to 7 psi
Check voltage at coil while running
Get IR temp gun a measure temp at thermostat housing

 

[jonesy68]

Will do the basics. Replaced fuel pump last year, and this time I know motor wasn't hot as I was able to put my hand on top of exhaust. Smelled like it was running rich like some cylinders weren't firing correctly. Going to check the oil and see if any fuel is present. I belive it is a electrical issue. Read s lot of issues with interrupter switch. How do I check it?

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

The interrupter switch grounds out the signal to the coil // and cuts the spark to the plugs ( for a fraction of a second to help the outdrive gears disengage when working properly)

Its been known to stick and stall motors but rarely causes missing -- It can be disconnected for a test but the outdrive will not want to come out of gear unless the motor is shut off -- Best done well away from any other boats or docks

I would be looking at the fuel delivery ist if it was mine // especially changing any filters & testing pressure & cleaning the carb if needed.