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1973 65HP issues starting finally

J

jim18611865

Regular Contributor
Well I knew this engine couldn't last forever, and it owes me nothing.
2015.jpg
Last week I heard a miss/stumble at WOT. It was brief and only happened once.
This week, (we ski once a week on Thursdays), it happened a few times, and started to bog down and run rough for about 30 seconds or so.
My son is deep water starting with this engine and a very heavy boat.

How in the world do you troubleshoot something like this?
I will do a compression test this weekend, to see if there are any differences from past readings.
Also there is a nice weep of oil/gas the next day in the driveway.
This pic was taken two years ago, but that has not gone away, and actually isn't as bad now as it was. I think the lower crank seal is leaking.

We did finish up last night on a high note with it running well for the last lap around the lake.

History.
Bought a 13 year sleeper in 2005. Hit the water in 2009 finally. Complete fuel system replacement, water pump and coils in 2009. Water pump again in 2013.
Stator and rectifier 2013 due to melting stator. It has run great for 6 years. Winterized and pulled from boat for the winters and stored in garage.
It could use a wiring harness.
 

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WOT is right at 5500 with our usual load of three people, food, skis and 9 gallons fuel.
Thanks for the spray bottle suggestion.
There is really no oil residue inside the cowling, even down deep.

Thanks
Jim
 
Compression was better than I have ever measured.
107,107,110 (with gauge known to be 15 psi low)
Spark plugs were sticky getting them out, and the top one had a oil puddle on it.
I never used a torque wrench to put them in for fear of stripping the threads.
I put new ones in with a torque wrench. Maybe that was it?
We will find out next Friday.
 
UPDATE!
Wow, what a day. Not only did the engine not miss once, but it pulled two skiers for the first time ever. We also sucked down a record amount a fuel in one day.
We had three skis, four people, and two ropes, so why not.

Old plugs were gapped at .040, .038, .035. I left the new ones at .030.
 
My RPMs are perfect, right at 5500. Set to idle at 1000. There was a small usual oil slick today. Just took an extra day.
Yes I agree, I am letting this sleeping dog lie. If it can pull up two skiers, there isn't much wrong with it.
I do run the gas out every time. We retrieve with the 8HP kicker, or let the 65 HP run out of gas on the trailer (in the water).

Also, I have a decent 1976 70 HP as a backup if need be. I just need to go through it, but I am waiting to blow up the 65 first.

Thanks again guys.
 
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