68 Offshore restoration

[Sharpie223]

Took it for a test run today, it wouldn't start for a long time, then it had issues holding idle. Finally was able to put it in gear but if I gave it much throttle it would die. My best guess is that I need to tear apart and clean my carbs again. I need to be better about draining and storing these right. Eventually I'm looking to repower with something fuel injected for simplicity.

I have noticed each time that I've been out that the boat rattles/shakes a lot at low motor RPMs. Does anyone else have this?

 

[SHSU]

How much shaking we talking about? My 1970's Evinrude vibrates the hull at low speed, but not something I would think abnormal for an engine of that age. As for the carbs, you using a ethanol based fuel, you using a fuel stabilizer?

SHSU

 

[Sharpie223]

Shaking, I couldn't tell you a side to side magnitude in inches, probably not actually much. It does make anything in the side storage rattle quite a bit and if the motor is centered it will shake itself to one side turning the steering. The outboard is a '97 suzuki dt75. I think I am more curious if there is anything that could be worn out leading to the shaking, should the cable connection have any kind of damper to it? My main concern would be any excessive vibration wearing at rivets. It mellows out at higher rpm.

I use ethanol gas but use a fuel stabilizer with ethanol treatment. This has always worked for me in the past, the real issue is that I filled up last year planning for more use, but never did. The heat then evaporated about half the fuel, certainly leading to increased gumming. I just need to give it a better cleaning and a better fuel/carb maintenance plan. A fuel injected motor would still be nicer in my mind, but looking at them, it's a minimum of 50 lbs extra for an etec, and closer to 100 lbs more for an optimax or a 4 stroke, and raises the question how much the hp rating of the boat plays into transom strength for hanging the weight.

 

[SHSU]

Not familiar with your engine, but wouldn't expect it to shake as bad as you mention. Might do some Googling to see if others have experienced similar. Weird that it goes away under power.

As for hanging a new motor, I am with you on what the extra weight will actually add. Also the price is what kills me... lol. Hard to justify ~10k when I have a motor that is working.

SHSU

 

[Sharpie223]

Back at it today to kick off project season.

Installed some rear seat covers. I originally wanted to have these fold all the way back (flat), but decided today there's no good reason for that. So I will find some method to attach them to the seat backs that allows each to slide relative to each other. The top flap (front when closed) just sits straight back, it will need a limiter strap. I will find some strong magnets for latching closed.


Then I cut a piece to fill the opening in the front. Ran out of hinges, so I couldn't attach yet. I decided I prefer a full bow platform, but wanted easy to access storage.


I will continue with the elevated surface to the back of the console.

Finally, bought a tig welder and I've spent a couple weekends getting used to it. I have only burned some aluminum so far, I think I may not be giving enough gas flow. I set it to chart specs, but my patterns look similar to lack of gas pictures online. Once I figure this out, I can patch the holes in my gunnels, and then weld a new windshield frame how I want it.

 

[SHSU]

I like the hidden seats. Very nice!!! Also I did the front deck too, and it works well for us.

SHSU