Pulls to the Left...

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ppeters

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
6
I own a 1998 Sylvan v180 (18'6") open bow runabout, with a 3.0L Mercruiser and manual steering. I bought this boat used, this summer, with only about 40 hrs on it. I am having problems with it wanting to pull hard to the left when up to speed, on plane and trimmed up. Keep it trimmed down and there is no problem. The prop, and outdrive all seem to be in excellent condition with no damage. Any suggestions as to how to correct this or what might be causing it would be helpful. Thanks in advance!
 
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fone_man

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
701
Re: Pulls to the Left...

Trimmed up it is going to push... on your steering column is a knob that increase tension (below column) tighten it up a couple of notches... this should cure it or your trim tab is way out of adjustment & might need fine tuning!!!<br /><br /> :cool:
 
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ppeters

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Sep 23, 2001
Messages
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Re: Pulls to the Left...

Thanks fone_man! I am not familiar with that, but I'll see if I can locate that knob and see if that works.<br /><br />OT - Funny how I post and get a message from someone just down the road. I'm about 20 miles south of you in Columbia. :)
 
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fone_man

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 8, 2001
Messages
701
Re: Pulls to the Left...

Did you get your boat from "Boat Locker" here in Franklin... I think they are Sylvan dealer???<br /><br />I have Merc I/O 3.0 Litre 140 in my 86 Four Winns... love the fuel economy!!!<br /><br /> :D
 
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ppeters

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Sep 23, 2001
Messages
6
Re: Pulls to the Left...

I bought it used, but yea it did come from the Boat Locker originally. I have thoroughly enjoyed mine so far. The 3.0L is not the most powerful by any means, but it does fine for what I want. And does not suck the gas like the larger motors. If I can just get this pull-thing corrected I would have no complaints about it what-so-ever! :D
 
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fone_man

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 8, 2001
Messages
701
Re: Pulls to the Left...

What pitch prop are you running???<br /><br />Alum or SS???
 
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ppeters

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Sep 23, 2001
Messages
6
Re: Pulls to the Left...

I'm running a 21 aluminum. Everything I've read says that is what it should be. Do you know of anything to the contrary? :D
 
I

info@illuminationtech.com

Cadet
Joined
Aug 15, 2001
Messages
17
Re: Pulls to the Left...

I have an 18' fiberglass open bow with the same 3.0LX engine and run both a 21* and a 19* prop. The 19* gives me better power for getting out of the hole and pulling skiers but sacrifices a few mph on the top end. Both seem to be fine for this engine, which I agree is a real sweet heart on fuel. I have run it hard for an entire weekend on a single tank of gas...
 
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fone_man

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 8, 2001
Messages
701
Re: Pulls to the Left...

Mine is kickin' a 19 SS prop... Good hole shot & top end... RPMS are right where they need to be!!!<br /><br />21 seems like to much for that engine... what are your RPMs WOT???
 
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ppeters

Cadet
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
6
Re: Pulls to the Left...

To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what RPM's it's turning at WOT, but it is in the 4500 range. I had thought about going with a 19*. What diameter are you using Fone_man, 14 1/4? :)
 
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ppeters

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Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
6
Re: Pulls to the Left...

Hey fone man! If you don't mind will you send me an e-mail with your name and phone number, or send me an e-mail and I'll e-mail you mine. I have some questions for you re: this pulling thing that would be easier to ask and talk about on the phone. I really would appreciate it. Thanks! ppeters@charter.net :cool:
 
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